If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is just what you need. This dish combines tender spaghetti noodles, savory meat sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Each bite delivers a harmony of creamy, cheesy layers mingling effortlessly with hearty meat and flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a true celebration of classic Italian-American flavors with an irresistible twist that makes it worthy of the “million dollar” name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making this dish so extraordinary. Each element plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color you’ll love in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles: The tender strands are the base that holds all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage: Enhances the dish with aromatic herbs and a hint of spice.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that amplify every other flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and a flavorful foundation when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that complements the meat and sauce.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: The tangy tomato base that ties the entire dish together.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds silky richness to the cooked spaghetti.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Contributes creamy, smooth texture to the cheese layer.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Enhances the tanginess and creaminess in the casserole.
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese): Offers a light, creamy contrast within the cheesy filling.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that gooey, bubbly finish.
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, savory notes and golden color when baked.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures the casserole will cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden top. Then, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together, seasoning with salt and pepper as you cook. Once most of the grease is drained, add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce and set this hearty, savory meat sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook and Toss the Spaghetti Noodles
Follow package instructions to cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain the hot noodles and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Toss immediately with the butter and the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce; this extra step keeps the spaghetti wonderfully moist and infuses it with flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage (or ricotta) cheese until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the creamy, dreamy layer that makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe so irresistibly rich and comforting.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers for Baking
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by spreading half of the spaghetti noodles evenly on the bottom. Carefully spoon the cheese mixture over the noodles, smoothing it out gently to create an even layer. Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese layer, then cover with the luscious meat sauce, spreading it out to an even layer. Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan cheese all over the top to create that signature golden, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on the cheese after about 20 minutes; if it starts browning too quickly, drape a piece of foil over the top to prevent burning. When it’s out of the oven, let it rest for at least 15 minutes to set up, ensuring clean slices and perfect portions.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Try sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of richness or a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides to balance its creamy richness. Consider serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a vinaigrette, garlic bread for extra indulgence, or steamed vegetables that provide a light, healthy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe family-style straight from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their portions with a spatula. Or, for a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a garnish sprig of fresh basil or oregano.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers a delight.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy nights. After it has fully cooled, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. To prevent freezer burn, consider wrapping the dish in plastic wrap before the foil.
Reheating
Thaw frozen Million Dollar Spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. If reheating from fresh leftovers, cover with foil during baking to prevent the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use all ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef is perfectly fine if you prefer a simpler flavor. However, Italian sausage adds a lovely seasoning and depth that really makes the dish special.
Is it necessary to reserve some marinara sauce before combining?
Yes, reserving a little marinara sauce to toss with the cooked spaghetti keeps the noodles moist and tasty, preventing them from sticking together in the casserole.
Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta?
Definitely! Ricotta cheese works just as well and tends to be creamier, which might make the cheese layer a little smoother and silkier.
How long does the dish need to cool before serving?
Waiting at least 15 minutes after baking helps the casserole set up so it slices cleanly. Plus, it gives you time to prepare your side dishes or garnish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and verify that your marinara sauce and sausage ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe truly is a standout dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for delicious leftovers, this recipe will soon become one of your treasured favorites. Give it a try and savor every creamy, cheesy, meaty bite—you deserve it!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting layered pasta casserole featuring a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese blend, and melted mozzarella and parmesan. This hearty baked dish combines spaghetti noodles with seasoned ground beef and sausage, a rich cream cheese and cottage cheese layer, and a luscious marinara sauce, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner that serves 15.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 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
Pasta and Cheese Layers
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the assembled casserole.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Drain most of the grease, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and immediately toss them in a large bowl with the butter and the 1/2 cup reserved marinara sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Make Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage or ricotta cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the coated spaghetti noodles as the first layer. Gently smooth the cheese mixture over the noodles. Add the remaining half of the spaghetti noodles on top, then spread the prepared meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Finish with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly. Check around 20 minutes; if the cheese begins to brown too quickly, tent the casserole with foil to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes to set before cutting into portions. Serve warm and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the spaghetti noodles, as they will continue to cook in the oven during baking.
- Using fresh grated parmesan cheese provides better flavor and melting characteristics than pre-grated cheese.
- To reduce grease, drain the meat mixture well before adding the sauce.
- The resting time after baking is crucial to help the casserole set and hold its shape when served.
