Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Are you craving a hearty, creamy, and indulgent dish that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds? Look no further! This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and buttery layers, all baked to perfection. Whether you're cooking for your family, a holiday gathering, or a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. Keep reading to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish, including tips for substitutions, variations, and more.

this Recipe

What Is "Million Dollar Spaghetti"?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked spaghetti casserole that’s often called a cross between lasagna and classic spaghetti. What sets this recipe apart is the rich combination of ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture (usually cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella). It’s topped with even more cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. The name "Million Dollar Spaghetti" comes from its luxurious, rich flavor that makes it feel like a million bucks on a plate!

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

To make the ultimate Million Dollar Spaghetti, you'll need a few essential ingredients. These can easily be found at your local grocery store, and you might already have many of them in your pantry. Here's the breakdown:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles (regular or gluten-free)
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for added flavor)
• 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, for a lighter option)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup butter (sliced into thin pats)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti Sauce

A flavorful sauce is key to this dish, so here’s what you’ll need to create that mouthwatering meat sauce that ties everything together:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer taste)
• 24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

You can also add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat in your sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Million Dollar Spaghetti is its flexibility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or even a meatless alternative like plant-based ground "beef" or lentils to make it vegetarian.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese works great as a lighter substitute. You can also use mascarpone for a creamier texture or add more Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Noodle Alternatives: Looking to cut carbs? You can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta. Gluten-free pasta also works well if you're avoiding gluten.
• Vegetables: Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for an extra nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor.
• Sauce Adjustments: Use Alfredo sauce for a creamier variation, or mix in some pesto for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

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

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to create this Million Dollar Spaghetti. Here’s how to ensure your casserole turns out cheesy, rich, and perfectly baked every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup). This will form the creamy layer that gives the dish its signature richness.

5. Layer the Casserole

• Spread a thin layer of butter slices in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Add half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly across the dish.
• Layer the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
• Pour half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
• Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the sauce layer.
• Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the noodles.
• Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake the Spaghetti

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

7. Let It Rest

Allow the Million Dollar Spaghetti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember to cook the spaghetti just until it's al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when baked.
• Skipping the Cheese Layer: Don’t skimp on the creamy cheese mixture! It’s what makes this dish so indulgent.
• Not Draining the Meat Properly: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Forgetting to Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving ensures the layers hold together nicely.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti is already a showstopper on its own, but a little attention to serving and presentation can elevate it even further. Here are some tips:

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Serve your Million Dollar Spaghetti hot, right out of the oven. Use a spatula to scoop out generous squares of the baked casserole. Pair it with simple sides like garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Cheese, Cheese, Cheese!: Offer a side of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for guests to add more cheese to their liking.
• Serve in Style: Use a white or colorful ceramic baking dish to contrast the golden cheesy topping for an appealing presentation. For individual servings, small ramekins or gratin dishes work beautifully.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

To ensure you nail this recipe every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Double the Recipe: This dish is great for meal prepping! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two pans. One can be frozen for a future meal.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can use plant-based meat substitutes or skip the meat entirely and load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian version.

2. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Absolutely! This recipe freezes well. Assemble and bake it first, then freeze it tightly covered. Reheat it in the oven after thawing.

3. What other cheeses can I use?

You can try using mascarpone, fontina, or gouda in place of some of the mozzarella or ricotta for different flavors.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Sure! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to substitute with penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you like.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

There’s a reason this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is so popular — it’s comforting, rich, and so satisfying that you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try out some of the variations and substitutions mentioned, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most indulgent spaghetti bakes ever! Happy cooking!

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