The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Nestled within culinary traditions, million dollar spaghetti promises an extraordinary dining experience that breaks free from ordinary pasta preparations.

Comfort meets luxury in this mouthwatering dish that combines creamy textures with robust flavors.

Hearty layers of cheese, meat, and perfectly cooked noodles create a symphony of taste that will captivate your senses.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical transformation that elevates humble spaghetti to gourmet status.

Each forkful delivers a rich, decadent experience that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Pasta enthusiasts and home cooks alike will find themselves enchanted by this irresistible recipe that turns an everyday meal into a celebration.

You won’t be able to resist sharing this delightful creation with everyone at the table.

Million Dollar Spaghetti: What Makes It Special

Unleash Comfort Cooking: Discover why this Million Dollar Spaghetti will become your new favorite dish!

• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: A cheesy, meaty pasta casserole that guarantees smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal chopping and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• One-Pan Wonder: Combines all your favorite Italian ingredients into a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and weekend gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Checklist for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base for the meat sauce that adds hearty texture to the dish.
• Italian Sausage: An optional alternative protein that brings additional seasoned depth to the recipe.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy and luxurious mixture that creates a smooth, rich layer with tangy and melty characteristics.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides the primary flavor for the meat sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that add depth and aromatic flavor to the meat sauce.
• Oregano, Basil, Fresh Parsley: Herbs that bring brightness and traditional Italian seasoning to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used to prevent pasta from sticking and add a subtle richness.

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain and gently toss with olive oil to keep noodles from sticking together.

Set aside while preparing other components.

Step 2: Create Hearty Meat Sauce

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.

Break meat into small crumbles while cooking.

Drain excess fat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables soften.

• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer sauce for 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease a baking dish.

• First layer: Half the cooked spaghetti
• Second layer: Entire cheese mixture
• Third layer: Remaining spaghetti
• Top layer: Meat sauce

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide casserole into preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Serve hot directly from the baking dish.

Tips for a Delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent watery sauce texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and ricotta for easier mixing and a silky, uniform consistency.
• Toss cooked spaghetti with olive oil and stir occasionally during assembly to keep noodles separated.
• Distribute cheese mixture evenly to ensure every bite has creamy, tangy goodness throughout the dish.
• Chop fresh parsley or basil just before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant color.

Flavor Variations for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mixed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add green chiles, swap marinara for salsa, and mix in taco seasoning to give the dish a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zoodle Alternative: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that keeps all the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Serving Recommendations for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Slice this hearty casserole into generous portions and arrange on a large serving tray, perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners.
• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy spaghetti. Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side adds delightful texture and helps soak up the savory sauce.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust meat sauce and creamy cheese layers. The wine's acidity will cut through the dish's richness.

Storage Tips for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place spaghetti in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Why is this recipe called Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Because the rich, creamy cheese layers and hearty meat sauce make this dish taste incredibly luxurious and indulgent, like a million-dollar meal.

• Can I use different types of meat for the sauce?

Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative to customize the recipe to your preferences.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes beautifully. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Million dollar spaghetti combines hearty pasta with rich layers of cheese and meat sauce. Comfort classic delivers creamy, cheesy goodness that satisfies deep hunger and delights home cooks seeking simple, delicious meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti

Meat and Sauce:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt for pasta water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain noodles and gently coat with olive oil to prevent clumping, then set aside.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Eliminate excess grease. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. Introduce marinara sauce and traditional Italian herbs into the meat mixture. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow sauce to simmer and develop flavors for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Create a luxurious cheese blend by thoroughly mixing ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley until smooth and uniform.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish and layer half the cooked spaghetti across the bottom. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
6. Cover the cheese layer with remaining spaghetti, then generously top with prepared meat sauce. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the entire surface.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust. The edges should appear slightly crispy and enticing.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving hot and inviting.

Notes

• Prevent pasta clumping by stirring occasionally while cooking and using olive oil after draining to keep noodles separated.
• Drain ground meat thoroughly to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated sauce flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer taste compared to pre-packaged versions, which can taste less vibrant.
• Customize protein by substituting ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 105 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg