Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the kind of baked pasta casserole that brings everyone to the table with a smile. This creamy cheesy pasta bake layers tender spaghetti with rich meat sauce, a blend of creamy cheeses, and buttery goodness, all baked to a golden, bubbling finish. It is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
For anyone who loves dishes like lasagna or baked ziti, the million dollar spaghetti recipe offers the best of both worlds with an even more indulgent twist. It brings together simple ingredients to create something that feels extra special, making it a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
WHY MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI IS A FAVORITE
Million dollar spaghetti is loved for its comforting flavors and versatility. Here are a few reasons why this creamy cheesy pasta bake has become so popular:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dish can be assembled in advance and baked when needed, perfect for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry and fridge staples come together to make a meal that feels like a treat.
- Delicious Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THE BEST MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI RECIPE
Creating the perfect million dollar spaghetti starts with a few key ingredients:
- Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti noodles work best, offering the right texture to soak up all the flavors.
- Meat: A mix of ground beef and Italian sausage adds a hearty, flavorful base. Ground beef alone also works if preferred.
- Marinara Sauce: A good-quality store-bought marinara saves time and adds rich tomato flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, light layer to the casserole.
- Cream Cheese: Brings a luxurious, silky texture that truly makes the dish feel like a million dollars.
- Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that stretchy, cheesy pull on every slice.
- Butter: Helps keep the pasta moist and adds rich flavor throughout.
- Red Onion and Garlic: Sautéed together for a sweet and savory flavor base.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle ties all the flavors together with an herbaceous touch.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked pasta casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
- Use a Silicone Spatula: When spreading the cheese mixture, a gentle touch helps keep the pasta layers intact.
- Cover with Foil: Cover during the first part of baking to keep the cheese soft and melty.
HOW TO MAKE MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious million dollar spaghetti:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, sauté red onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the ground beef and sausage, cook until browned, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, blend ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the Pasta: Mix the cooked spaghetti with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Dot half of the butter across the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti, then half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and cheese mixture. Dot the top with the remaining butter.
- Top and Bake: Spread the meat sauce on top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS
This baked pasta casserole can easily be customized:
- No Ricotta: Cottage cheese makes a great substitute.
- Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be stirred into the layers.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the meat for a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version of million dollar spaghetti.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI
Million dollar spaghetti pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its rich, creamy flavors:
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Toast: Adds an extra indulgent touch.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens up the meal.
- Sautéed Greens: Garlicky spinach or kale adds warmth and a healthy contrast.
STORING AND REHEATING LEFTOVERS
Million dollar spaghetti keeps well and tastes even better after a day or two. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This creamy cheesy pasta bake freezes beautifully. Cut into squares, wrap individually, and freeze for easy meals later. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking according to the recipe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY SHOULD MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI REST BEFORE SLICING?
Allowing million dollar spaghetti to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking helps it firm up, making it easier to slice cleanly. This resting time also lets all the creamy, cheesy layers settle, enhancing the overall texture of the million dollar spaghetti recipe.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD THE CHEESE LAYER WITHOUT DISTURBING THE SPAGHETTI?
Spreading the cheese mixture gently using a silicone spatula helps avoid pulling up the spaghetti underneath. Smooth, careful spreading ensures even creamy layers in the creamy cheesy pasta bake.
HOW SHOULD BAKING TIME BE ADJUSTED IF MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI IS PREPARED AHEAD AND CHILLED?
If the million dollar spaghetti recipe has been assembled and chilled in the refrigerator, add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time. Baking the dish straight from the fridge ensures it heats through properly without overbaking the pasta.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU SKIP THE BUTTER IN MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI?
Butter plays a key role in keeping the pasta moist and adding richness to the million dollar spaghetti recipe. Skipping it may cause the baked pasta casserole to turn out drier and less flavorful.
More Recipes:
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 24 oz marinara sauce divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
- 8 tbsp butter sliced
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Brown Meat: Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the marinara sauce. Let simmer on low.
- Mix Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Toss Pasta with the remaining marinara sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble Layers:
- Dot half the butter in the baking dish.Add half the spaghetti, then spread half the cheese mixture on top.Repeat with remaining spaghetti and cheese mixture.Dot with remaining butter slices.Pour meat sauce over the top.Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.
- Rest & Garnish: Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese soften first—it blends easier and gives the filling a smoother texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! It will finish cooking in the oven.
Nutrition
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