Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Million Dollar Spaghetti is the perfect dish. It's a baked spaghetti casserole that's rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of cheese, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture—all baked together until bubbly and golden. The combination of flavors and textures makes it feel like a million bucks! Whether you're serving it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Read on to learn how to make this delicious recipe, along with tips and variations.

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a cheesy, baked spaghetti casserole that combines the best parts of lasagna and spaghetti into one dish. It features a layer of cooked spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture (often made with cream cheese, ricotta, or sour cream), a hearty meat sauce, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It's called "Million Dollar" because of its indulgent, rich flavors—though it's surprisingly affordable to make! This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti (cooked al dente)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing the pasta)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (for a lighter texture)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 egg (beaten)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

For Topping:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Additional Ingredients List (Optional Add-ons)

You can customize your Million Dollar Spaghetti with these optional ingredients to enhance flavor or add more texture:

• ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup chopped black olives (adds a briny, tangy note)
• ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 cup baby spinach (for added greens)
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (sautéed with the onions and garlic)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for extra spice)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to make substitutions or variations based on your preferences:

• Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie-loaded version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free.
• Cheese Choices: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option, or use mascarpone for a richer, creamier filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, or provolone.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Million Dollar Spaghetti, and enjoy a dish that's worth every bite:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-10 minutes). Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

1. Combine cheeses and sour cream: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, and beaten egg until well combined.
2. Add Parmesan and mozzarella: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Add the chopped parsley and mix until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti

1. Layer the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Start by adding half of the cooked spaghetti to the bottom of the dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Add the cheese mixture: Spoon the entire cheese mixture over the spaghetti, spreading it out with a spatula so that it's an even layer.
3. Top with more spaghetti: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
4. Pour the meat sauce: Evenly spread the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
5. Add cheese: Top everything with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
2. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for extra color and flavor, if desired.
2. Serve: Slice the casserole into portions and serve hot, alongside garlic bread or a simple green salad.

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the spaghetti and toss with olive oil.
2. Brown the ground beef and make the meat sauce with onions, garlic, and marinara.
3. Mix the creamy cheese layer with cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella.
4. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish: half the spaghetti, cheese mixture, remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, covered, then 10-15 minutes uncovered until bubbly and golden.
6. Let the casserole rest before serving, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the spaghetti: Cook the pasta just until al dente. If the spaghetti is overcooked, it can become mushy after baking.
• Skipping the foil: Make sure to cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep the cheese from browning too quickly.
• Not letting the dish rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with simple sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• With garlic bread: Serve slices of buttery garlic bread or breadsticks on the side to soak up the sauce.
• With a fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Wine pairing: A light red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs well with the tomato-based sauce and cheeses.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Family-style: Serve the casserole family-style in its baking dish, allowing guests to help themselves.
• Individual portions: Cut into individual squares and plate with garnishes like fresh herbs or Parmesan.
• For a crowd: This recipe is perfect for feeding a large group. If serving for a potluck or party, make sure to double the recipe and bake in two 9x13-inch dishes.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add freshly chopped parsley, basil, or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.
• Extra cheese on top: Sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan and black pepper right before serving for a polished look.
• Serve in cast iron: Baking and serving this dish in a cast iron skillet gives it a rustic and cozy presentation.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Use homemade marinara: If you have time, make your own marinara sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Add extra veggies: Sneak in more vegetables by adding diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes! You can freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute it with other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables in the sauce, such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta in the cheese mixture. It will provide a similar creamy texture with a slightly milder flavor.

What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti?
This dish is quite rich, so it pairs well with lighter sides like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is an indulgent, cheesy, and satisfying baked spaghetti casserole that combines the best of both spaghetti and lasagna. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey mozzarella, it's the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This dish is easy to prepare, versatile, and great for feeding a crowd or freezing for later. Try it out for your next family dinner or special gathering, and enjoy a meal that’s as rich and delicious as it sounds!

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