Irresistible Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe That Tastes Rich

Creamy and decadent million dollar spaghetti promises a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Layers of rich cheese and savory meat create an irresistible comfort dish.

Pasta lovers will adore this indulgent casserole that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

Luxurious ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a dinner experience beyond ordinary expectations.

Melted cheese blankets tender noodles in a spectacular presentation that impresses everyone at the table.

Straightforward preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe without spending hours in the kitchen.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that make weeknight dinners feel special.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What Makes Million Dollar Spaghetti So Special

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Delight everyone at the table with this rich, cheesy spaghetti casserole that combines classic comfort food flavors in one stunning dish.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep and straightforward ingredients make this recipe a perfect go-to for busy families looking for a satisfying dinner solution.
• Layer with Love: Create a beautiful, hearty meal by building delicious layers of pasta, creamy cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese that guarantees a memorable dining experience.
• Quick and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base for this comforting casserole.
• Ground Beef: The protein-rich component that adds savory depth to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that provides rich flavor and moisture to the recipe.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese: A creamy mixture that creates a luxurious and smooth layer between pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that form a golden, crispy topping with delicious flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-building ingredients that add depth and aromatic complexity to the meat sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Butter: A rich ingredient used for sautéing the aromatics and adding richness to the recipe.

• Sour Cream: A tangy ingredient that contributes to the creamy cheese mixture.

Cooking Million Dollar Spaghetti at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions.

Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce

Heat up a skillet and melt some butter.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the meat until it’s beautifully browned. Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta (or cream cheese) with sour cream until smooth and creamy. This will be the secret weapon of your casserole.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Grab a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread out half of your cooked spaghetti as the bottom layer.

Carefully spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta, creating an even blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Add Meat Sauce Layer

Arrange the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.

Generously pour the meat sauce over the entire dish, making sure it covers everything.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Distribute the cheeses evenly across the top for maximum melty deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Pro Tips to Master Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, budget-friendly alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Enhance meat sauce by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Make dish vegetarian-friendly by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for protein.
• Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner easier.
• Prevent dry edges by covering with foil during first 20 minutes of baking, ensuring moisture stays locked inside dish.

Variations That Enhance Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using marinara sauce for protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Swap spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, maintaining the same cheese and meat sauce layers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta alternative like chickpea pasta, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella, add spinach, and use ground lamb for a different regional taste profile.

Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Comfort Food Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty casserole that transforms classic spaghetti into a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for Sunday dinners.

Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – ideal for busy families wanting a delicious, no-stress dinner option.

Potluck Party Superstar: Bring this cheesy spaghetti bake to gatherings and watch it disappear quickly, impressing friends with its rich, layered flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Italian-American Fusion Delight: Combine traditional pasta with creamy cheese layers and robust meat sauce, creating a mouthwatering twist on classic spaghetti that feels both familiar and exciting.

Storing Million Dollar Spaghetti with Ease

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even temperature distribution.

FAQs

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s quite simple. The recipe requires basic cooking skills like browning meat, mixing cheeses, and layering ingredients in a baking dish.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cheese options like generic brands, buy ground meat on sale, and look for discounted marinara sauce to reduce overall cost.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti reheats well. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 23 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Million dollar spaghetti delivers comfort and indulgence in one delightful casserole. Creamy cheese layers, hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta create a memorable meal that will satisfy hungry families and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 16 ounces (453 grams) spaghetti

Cheeses and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta or cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces / 680 grams)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, stirring to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, blend ricotta or cream cheese with sour cream until smooth and creamy.
7. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom.
8. Carefully distribute the cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of spaghetti.
9. Layer the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
10. Pour the prepared meat sauce completely over the spaghetti layers.
11. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the entire surface.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and top is golden brown.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• Make sure to drain spaghetti thoroughly to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meat sauce for an extra flavor boost and vibrant color.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative to reduce calories and fat content.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve, which makes it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg