There’s nothing quite like the aroma of bubbling cheese and rich meat sauce wafting through the kitchen. This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a go-to family favorite and a true crowd-pleaserperfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without the fuss.
Picture this: layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese, and a hearty meat sauce all baked together until golden and melty. It’s like your favorite lasagna, only simpler to make and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it uses easy-to-find ingredients, so you can whip it together with what you have on hand.
I first made this dish during a chilly winter evening back in 2018 when a snowstorm kept us all cozy indoors. My kids couldn’t get enough! The secret? Letting the cream cheese mix really meld with the sauce for that dreamy texture. With over a decade of recipe testing under my apron, trust me, this one will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Thomas Baker
Million Dollar Spaghetti: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole that has become a favorite for gatherings and family dinners. This million dollar spaghetti casserole combines layers of tender spaghetti noodles, a rich homemade meat sauce, and a velvety cheese mixture making it both budget friendly and incredibly satisfying. Perfect as a hearty main course, this creamy million dollar spaghetti recipe is simple to prepare and loved by all.
Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain most of the fat. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions turn translucent. Add all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce, reserving that 1/2 cup for later, then mix everything well and set aside.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately place it in a large bowl. Add butter and the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce to the hot noodles and toss until combined.
In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spread half of the spaghetti evenly. Layer the cheese mixture on top, smoothing it over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti as the next layer.
Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles and spread it out.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and freshly grated parmesan over the casserole.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and bubbly. Around the 20-minute mark, check the top; if the cheese is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
Allow the casserole to cool and set for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole through the layering step and refrigerate covered for up to one day before baking. You can also prep the sauce, noodles, and cheese separately 1 to 3 days in advance and combine just before baking. For freezing, assemble the casserole and cover tightly with foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge 1-2 days before baking. Vegetarian option: omit meat or substitute plant-based sausage. Use your preferred pasta type if desired. Leftover sausage can be saved for other recipes like baked ziti or pizza casserole.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Comforting Layers: This million dollar spaghetti gives you a warm hug with every bite, thanks to its cheesy layers and hearty meat sauce.
Family Favorite: It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that satisfies picky eaters and busy families alike.
Budget-Friendly: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank.
Make Ahead: You can prepare it a day in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
Key Ingredients and Tools
Let’s gather what we need! Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients for our million dollar spaghetti:
16 ounces spaghetti noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
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
And don’t forget your trusted kitchen tools!
Large pot for boiling pasta
14-inch skillet for cooking the meat sauce
9×13 casserole dish for baking
Meat chopper for crumbling the meat
How it Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it nice and toasty for our delicious bake.
Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once browned, add onions and garlic until the onion is translucent. Stir in most of the marinara sauce, saving 1/2 cup for later.
Prep the Noodles: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with butter and the reserved marinara sauce.
Form the Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
Assemble: Layer half of the noodles in the casserole dish, followed by the cheese mixture, then the rest of the noodles. Top with the meat sauce, and finally, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Pop that beauty in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden. If the cheese browns too quickly, tent it with foil.
Cool and Enjoy: Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will give it time to set and make serving a breeze!
Troubleshooting and Tweaks
Cooking is all about adjustments! Here are some tips to ensure your million dollar spaghetti is a hit:
Too Dry? Add a bit more marinara sauce to the final layer before baking.
Cheese Too Brown? Cover with foil for part of the baking time if it browns quickly.
Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the meat or swap it for a plant-based alternative!
Serving and Storage Tips
This dish is not only comforting but also flexible when it comes to serving and storage:
Serve with: A side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before popping it in the oven!
Ingredient Swaps and Timing Guide
Ingredient
Possible Swaps
Ground Beef
Lean turkey or ground chicken
Sour Cream
Greek yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Ricotta cheese
Spaghetti
Any pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, etc.)
Step
Time
Cook noodles
10 minutes
Prepare meat sauce
10 minutes
Assembly
10 minutes
Bake
30-40 minutes
With its delightful layers and budget-friendly ingredients, this Million Dollar Spaghetti is bound to become a cherished staple in your home. Happy cooking and enjoy those cozy memories around the dinner table!
Expert Says
MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI offers a perfect balance between rich flavors and comforting textures. The combination of pasta and cheese provides protein and calcium, while the tomato sauce adds vitamins and antioxidants. Always cook your pasta al dente; this not only enhances texture but also helps retain more nutrients during cooking.
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The Road to Million Dollar Spaghetti
After countless attempts and more than a few messy kitchen moments, I’ve finally perfected my version of Million Dollar Spaghetti. I learned the art of balancing rich flavors with a light touch, and each plateful takes me back to family dinners full of laughter and joy. You won’t want to miss this one!
FAQs ( Million Dollar Spaghetti )
How long does it take to make Million Dollar Spaghetti?
This dish typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and an additional 45 minutes to bake. So, in just over an hour, you can enjoy a comforting, cheesy pasta meal that the whole family will love.
Can I make ahead Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat, keeping in mind that it may need a few extra minutes in the oven if baked straight from the fridge.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Spaghetti works best in this recipe for its texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce. Feel free to use a similar pasta shape like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer, but spaghetti is the classic choice.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it directly from frozen, adding some time to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These options add freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker serving, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Million Dollar Spaghetti turns outwarm, cheesy layers with a rich meat sauce that fills your home with the most delightful aroma. In just about an hour, your family will be clamoring for seconds, and you’ll feel that cozy satisfaction of a job well done!
Want to mix things up? Try adding some spinach for a pop of color and nutrients, or swap the ground beef for turkey if you’re looking for a lighter twist. And remember, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three daysthough they might not last that long if your family is anything like mine! A little trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to reheat in the oven for an extra crispy top, just like fresh out of the oven.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you grow up with a version of this dish? Share your photos or stories with me! Remember to save or share this recipe with your loved onesnothing brings the family together like a homemade meal that feels like a warm hug. Enjoy your cooking adventures!
