Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. Each bite offers a luxurious blend of textures—tender spaghetti intertwined with a rich, meaty marinara and topped with a melty, golden layer of mozzarella and parmesan. This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a decadent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients Overview
Million Dollar Spaghetti shines through its simple, well-chosen ingredients, each contributing to its rich and comforting flavor. The dish begins with perfectly al dente spaghetti, firm enough to absorb the buttery sauce. A creamy layer made from cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta) provides a velvety texture, balancing richness and tang. The meat sauce, made from ground beef, Italian sausage, sautéed onions, garlic, and marinara, brings heartiness and depth. A topping of melted mozzarella and parmesan adds the final cheesy, golden touch. To make, simply brown the meat, simmer it in marinara, and toss the pasta with butter and sauce. Layer half the pasta, spread the creamy cheese mixture, and top with more pasta and meat sauce. Finally, bake until bubbly, tenting with foil if the cheese browns too quickly, and let the dish rest before serving for the best results.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent overcooking the pasta:
Always cook the pasta just until al dente. The spaghetti will continue to cook in the oven, so undercooking it slightly ensures it won’t become too soft.
Tips for making the meat sauce richer:
Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavor of the marinara sauce. Simmering the sauce for a bit longer will also concentrate the flavors.
Substitutions for cottage cheese or ricotta:
Both cottage cheese and ricotta work well, but for a smoother texture, use ricotta. You can also blend cottage cheese if you prefer it without curds.
How to avoid the cheese browning too quickly during baking:
If the cheese is browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Make-ahead options and storing leftovers:
This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, balancing the richness of the pasta with lighter options.
Garlic Bread or Buttery Dinner Rolls:
The perfect accompaniment to any baked pasta dish, garlic bread or dinner rolls provide a crispy, buttery contrast to the creamy layers of the spaghetti. Use them to scoop up extra sauce for an even more indulgent experience.
A Crisp Green Salad:
A fresh salad with crisp greens and a zesty Italian dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for added crunch and color.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
Lightly steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus bring a healthy, vibrant side to the meal. The mild bitterness of the vegetables cuts through the creaminess of the pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.
Variations and Add-Ons
Vegetarian Version:
For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant. The vegetables will soak up the marinara sauce, adding depth and heartiness without the meat.
Different Meat Combinations:
Feel free to swap out the beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage, or mix in some chorizo for a bold flavor punch.
Adding Extra Veggies:
This dish is highly customizable, and adding more vegetables is a great way to boost its nutritional value. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist.
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a dish that brings people together with its comforting layers of cheese, meat, and pasta. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile, easily customizable, and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. With its luxurious blend of flavors and textures, Million Dollar Spaghetti is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
16 ounces spaghetti noodles
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
1/2 pound ground beef
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Once browned, drain most of the fat, leaving just a bit for flavor. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, reserving ½ cup for later, and stir to combine. Set this aside.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the spaghetti according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. Drain the pasta, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Toss the hot spaghetti with the butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce until the noodles are evenly coated.
Prepare the Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Dish:
Take half of the buttered spaghetti and spread it in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer. Finally, spread the meat sauce over the top, ensuring an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the entire dish.
Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Around the 20-minute mark, check if the cheese is browning too quickly; if so, loosely cover the dish with foil. Once baked, let the dish sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing, allowing it to set. Serve and enjoy!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Once browned, drain most of the fat, leaving just a bit for flavor. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, reserving ½ cup for later, and stir to combine. Set this aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the spaghetti according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. Drain the pasta, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Toss the hot spaghetti with the butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce until the noodles are evenly coated.
Prepare the Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Dish:
- Take half of the buttered spaghetti and spread it in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer. Finally, spread the meat sauce over the top, ensuring an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the entire dish.
Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Around the 20-minute mark, check if the cheese is browning too quickly; if so, loosely cover the dish with foil. Once baked, let the dish sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing, allowing it to set. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Let it cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
- To Freeze: Assemble the casserole, cover with greased foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for 1-2 days, then bake for 20 minutes covered, and 20-25 minutes uncovered. If baking from frozen, bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat or use plant-based meat substitutes.
- Meat Options: Use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both. Save leftover sausage for other dishes like Baked Ziti or Pizza Casserole.
- Pasta Choice: Spaghetti is classic, but any pasta can be used.