Million Dollar Spaghetti

Dive into a comforting classic with this incredible Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe! This baked pasta dish layers tender spaghetti, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling, all topped with a generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. It is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Its viral popularity makes it a standout choice for family dinners or potlucks. Get ready to bake a dish that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti

This isn’t just any spaghetti; it is a layered casserole packed with flavor and convenience. You will quickly see why this Million Dollar Spaghetti becomes a family favorite.

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of pasta, meat, and cheese. It is pure comfort food.
Budget-Friendly: Made with common ingredients, this recipe stretches to feed many without breaking the bank.
Irresistible Layers: Each bite delivers tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy center.
Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or meal prepping for a busy week.
Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and clear instructions make this a perfect dish for new cooks.

Ingredients

Gather your components for this delightful baked spaghetti casserole.

16 ounces spaghetti noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
3 Tablespoons butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients for your baked Million Dollar Spaghetti. For pasta, you can use any long pasta like linguine or bucatine if spaghetti is unavailable. Feel free to use all ground beef, all ground Italian sausage, or even ground turkey for the meat mixture. Ricotta cheese works beautifully as a substitute for cottage cheese in the creamy layer, offering a slightly smoother texture. Choose your favorite marinara sauce, whether it is a homemade family recipe or a good quality store-bought brand for convenience.

Equipment

You need only a few standard kitchen tools to prepare this delicious casserole.

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Large pot for pasta
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13 inch baking dish (essential for this recipe)
Spatula or spoon for mixing and layering

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your amazing Million Dollar Spaghetti.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Next, start the meat sauce. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Season the meat with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, carefully drain almost all of the excess grease from the skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat. Sauté them for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce, reserving that half cup for later. Mix everything well to combine, then set the flavorful meat sauce aside.

Now, prepare your spaghetti noodles. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, ensuring it cooks only until “al dente.” Understanding the ideal pasta consistency is key for this dish, as explained by culinary experts on achieving the perfect al dente texture. It will bake further in the oven, so avoid overcooking it at this stage. Drain the cooked spaghetti thoroughly. Transfer the hot spaghetti to a large mixing bowl. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce to the noodles. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the butter has melted.

Prepare the creamy cheese layer. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese). Mix these ingredients well until they are smooth and thoroughly combined. This creates the signature rich layer in your baked spaghetti.

Begin assembling your Million Dollar Spaghetti in the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour approximately half of the buttered and sauced spaghetti into the bottom of the dish. Spread it out evenly to form the first layer. Carefully spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the cheese mixture evenly across the pasta. Top this with the remaining spaghetti, spreading it out to cover the cheese layer completely. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the noodles, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Finish by generously sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the meat sauce.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You want the Million Dollar Spaghetti to be hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top to be melted and golden brown. Check it around 20 minutes; if the cheese is browning too quickly, tent a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the dish. This prevents excessive browning while the casserole heats through. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Many culinary experts agree that a brief resting period significantly enhances the final result of baked dishes, as discussed in detail on why resting baked casseroles is crucial. This crucial resting time allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut neat portions. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti is easy with these simple tips. Do not overcook the spaghetti; cook it just to al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Properly draining the meat fat is important for a less greasy casserole. Soften cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. For an even cheese layer, spread the mixture carefully with a spatula. If the top cheese browns too quickly, tent foil over the dish to prevent burning. Resting time is crucial; it helps the casserole set, ensuring cleaner slices.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and makes meal planning simple.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your baked spaghetti with a crisp, fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Warm, crusty garlic bread or soft breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Consider serving it with roasted broccoli or asparagus for an added vegetable side.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare this Million Dollar Spaghetti in advance. Cook the meat sauce and spaghetti, then assemble the entire casserole in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to one day before baking. Allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, then follow the baking instructions.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti completely, but do not bake it. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. You can also thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Recipe Variations

For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat substitutes in place of beef and sausage. Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or cavatappi for a unique texture. Boost the nutrition by adding finely diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce. Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra heat.

Nutrition

This estimated nutritional information helps you plan your meals, though exact values may vary. The following table shows approximate values per serving for this flavorful Million Dollar Spaghetti.

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Name	Value
Calories	350kcal
Carbohydrates	28g
Protein	17g
Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	9g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1g
Monounsaturated Fat	6g
Trans Fat	0.2g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	605mg
Potassium	356mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Vitamin A
Vitamin C	4mg
Calcium	163mg
Iron	1mg

Please note that nutritional values are estimates. They can vary based on specific brands, types of ingredients used, and portion sizes.

FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about making this fantastic dish.

What makes it “Million Dollar Spaghetti”? The name comes from its rich, layered ingredients, particularly the creamy, cheesy middle layer and the overall comforting, indulgent feel. It tastes incredibly decadent and satisfying.

Can I use just ground beef or sausage? Yes, absolutely! You can use a full pound of either ground beef or ground Italian sausage if you prefer. This recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti is quite flexible.

How long does Million Dollar Spaghetti last in the fridge? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles in place of regular pasta. Ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.

What size baking dish should I use? A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. It allows for even layering and proper baking.

Why is the cream cheese layer important? This layer adds an incredible richness and tanginess, balancing the savory meat sauce. It gives the casserole its unique creamy texture and helps bind the layers.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Spaghetti offers a truly satisfying and memorable meal experience. It is a fantastic option for making baking simple, perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner. With its hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese layer, and perfectly baked pasta, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try tonight; your loved ones will thank you! We would love to hear how your Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!