Description
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spaghetti Layer: Cook the spaghetti until al dente and toss it in a bowl with 1 cup marinara sauce until fully coated.
- 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.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and well blended.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
• 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.
