Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delicious hybrid between lasagna and baked spaghetti, featuring layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a decadent cheese mixture. The creamy layer of cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives this dish its signature richness and makes every bite irresistible. This baked pasta casserole is easy to make, hearty enough to feed a crowd, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Spaghetti Layer:
• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked until al dente
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ¼ cup sliced salted butter

Meat Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
• ¼ cup diced onion (about half a small onion)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 cups jarred or homemade marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Million Dollar Cheese Layer:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spaghetti Layer: Cook the spaghetti until al dente and toss it in a bowl with 1 cup marinara sauce until fully coated.
3. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any grease. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and well blended.
5. Assemble the Layers: Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Distribute sliced butter evenly over the pasta. Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles, then layer the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
6. Bake the Dish: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti hot straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Toppings: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or extra Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor and presentation.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes beautifully. Cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or in the microwave in single servings for 1–2 minutes until warm.

Variations

1. Chicken Million Dollar Spaghetti: Replace beef and sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter yet rich flavor.
2. Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers to the marinara sauce.
3. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for heat lovers.
4. Four-Cheese Blend: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for a cheesier experience.
5. Turkey Million Dollar Spaghetti: Substitute ground turkey for beef and sausage for a leaner, healthier option.
6. Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese layer for a smoky flavor.
7. White Sauce Version: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, white pasta bake.
8. Spinach and Artichoke Variation: Mix chopped spinach and artichokes into the cheese layer for extra texture and tang.
9. Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning to the meat mixture and top with cheddar cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
10. Pesto Layer: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto between the noodles and cheese mixture for a herby kick.
11. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and check that all sauces and ingredients are gluten-free.
12. Low-Carb Version: Substitute spaghetti noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
13. Seafood Delight: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat for a coastal Italian flavor.
14. Caramelized Onion and Garlic Flavor: Cook onions slowly until caramelized before adding to the sauce for sweetness and depth.
15. Mini Individual Portions: Bake in muffin tins for single-serve versions perfect for parties or meal prep.

FAQs

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
   Yes, cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a slightly lighter texture without sacrificing creaminess.
2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
   Traditional spaghetti is classic, but you can use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine for a twist.
3. Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble it the day before, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
4. Can I make it without cream cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or extra ricotta for a similar creamy consistency.
5. What’s the best way to prevent watery spaghetti?
   Drain the pasta well and don’t overcook it; al dente pasta holds up better during baking.
6. Can I freeze baked Million Dollar Spaghetti?
   Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
7. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
   Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave with a splash of marinara sauce.
8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives. Choose olive oil instead of butter.
9. Is it possible to add vegetables to the sauce?
   Yes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini blend beautifully with the meat sauce.
10. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
    Definitely. Homemade sauce enhances the flavor and allows you to control the seasoning.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is the ultimate comfort meal, combining creamy, cheesy, and savory layers for an unforgettable family dinner. It’s simple to make, feeds a crowd, and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests. Serve it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for the perfect Italian-inspired feast that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

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