If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. This layered masterpiece combines tender spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and a luscious blend of cheeses that bake into a bubbly, golden delight. It’s like lasagna’s fun, no-fuss cousin—easy to make, yet bursting with flavors that invite everyone back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe, it’s going to become a kitchen staple for those family dinners and friendly gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by fancy ingredients because this recipe keeps it simple and delicious. Each component here plays a key role—whether it’s the hearty ground beef for protein and depth, the mixture of cheeses for creamy richness, or the marinara sauce that brings everything together with its bright tomato flavor. Ready to see what makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe so special?
- Cooking spray: To lightly grease the baking dish and prevent sticking without adding extra fat.
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion: Offers a sweet, aromatic base that softens during cooking for extra flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory, unmistakable depth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty foundation that makes this spaghetti fully satisfying.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided: Brings a perfect blend of herbs like oregano and basil to tie flavors together.
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided: Acts as the saucy glue, keeping everything moist and flavorful with its rich tomato base.
- 1 pound spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce and cheese beautifully in every forkful.
- Kosher salt, to taste (for pasta water): Enhances the spaghetti’s natural flavor during cooking.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy, tangy richness that blends smoothly with the ricotta.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Perfect for creating that silky, dreamy cheese layer that’s essential in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic notes in the cheese mixture for a subtle aromatic kick.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts to gooey perfection on top, creating that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to set the stage. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef along with the finely diced onion and minced garlic. This combination gets fragrant and sets the base for your sauce. Once the beef is cooked through, drain the excess grease, then stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 2 cups of marinara sauce. Let this flavorful meat sauce sit aside while you move onto the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti just shy of al dente—about 3 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This slight undercooking is key because it’ll finish baking in the oven without turning mushy. Drain the spaghetti well, then toss it with 1 cup of marinara sauce to keep it moist and tasty.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and well blended—this creamy layer is what makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe truly indulgent and irresistibly rich.
Step 4: Layer the Spaghetti Casserole
Now for the fun part. In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the sauced spaghetti first, then evenly dollop and spread the luscious cheese mixture on top. Next, layer the remaining spaghetti, and finish by spreading the meat sauce all over. Top the entire dish with shredded mozzarella cheese to create that golden, bubbly crust everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is golden brown. If you like a crispier, slightly charred top, turn on the broiler for a few minutes—just watch it carefully so it does not burn. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the rich cheesy layers. Grated Parmesan can also be dusted on top for an extra sharp, savory touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette with olive oil dipping sauce rounds out the meal and helps scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets. This presentation keeps the cheesy top intact and creates a personal experience. Or layer it in a deep casserole dish for larger gatherings, making it easy to serve and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Just cover well to preserve that moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked and cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will hold well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, the microwave works—cover with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture and heat in evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it tends to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative to keep that hearty texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
This recipe is great for making ahead! You can assemble it the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it fresh just before serving.
What’s the best way to keep the spaghetti from getting mushy?
Cooking the spaghetti slightly under al dente and tossing it with sauce before layering helps prevent sogginess, allowing the pasta to finish cooking during baking without becoming mushy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to experiment! Parmesan, provolone, or even fontina can add different flavor profiles. Just keep the creamy and melty balance in mind to maintain the signature texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare yet delivers big on flavor, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or treating your loved ones on any night of the week. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a household favorite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and tangy marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender spaghetti with a flavorful meat sauce and a luscious cheese blend, baked to golden perfection for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Kosher salt, to taste (for pasta water)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and brown meat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the finely diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease. Season the meat mixture with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until it is slightly undercooked—about 3 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain the pasta well and toss it with 1 cup of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Layer ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sauced spaghetti evenly across the bottom. Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, then pour the prepared meat sauce over it in an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meat sauce.
- Make sure not to fully cook the spaghetti initially to avoid overcooking after baking.
- For extra flavor, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to adapt the recipe to dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
