Million Dollar Spaghetti

The rich, gooey layers of cheese melting between perfectly seasoned meat sauce and tender pasta make Million Dollar Spaghetti truly worth every penny of its name. This comforting casserole combines the heartiness of a traditional spaghetti dinner with the creamy indulgence of a baked pasta dish. Imagine the aroma of Italian herbs and bubbling cheese filling your kitchen as this crowd-pleaser bakes to golden perfection. You’ll learn how to create this impressive yet simple dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and special occasion dish. The contrast between the crispy, browned cheese top and the creamy, tender pasta beneath creates a textural wonderland in every bite. The rich cream cheese layer hidden in the middle offers a surprising velvety element that elevates this dish beyond ordinary pasta bakes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, this hearty casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques. The combination of tangy tomato sauce, savory ground meat, and three different cheeses creates depth that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Best of all, Million Dollar Spaghetti can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, meaning leftovers might be even more delicious than the first serving!

Ingredients

For this showstopping Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (450g) spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 jars (24 oz/680g each) marinara sauce (or homemade spaghetti sauce)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120g) cottage cheese
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp (56g) butter, sliced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The quality of your marinara sauce significantly impacts the final flavor, so choose a good brand or use homemade sauce for the best pasta bake experience.

Pro Tips

Perfect your pasta: Cook the spaghetti just until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so starting with slightly firm noodles prevents a mushy casserole. After draining, toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Create flavor depth: For a richer meat sauce, add 1/4 cup of red wine when browning the beef and onions. Let it reduce before adding the marinara sauce. This simple step adds remarkable complexity to your Million Dollar Spaghetti that guests will notice but won’t be able to identify.

Achieve the perfect cheese pull: When adding the mozzarella layer, reserve about 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. This creates that Instagram-worthy cheese pull moment when serving. For an even more golden top, switch to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While waiting for the water, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature, and grate your cheeses if not using pre-shredded. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta
Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until al dente, typically 2 minutes less than package instructions (about 7-8 minutes). You want the pasta slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well but do not rinse—the starchy coating helps the sauce adhere better to your Million Dollar Spaghetti.

Step 3: Prepare The Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. When it’s about halfway cooked (after 3-4 minutes), add the diced onion and continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Make The Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth. This creamy mixture is what gives Million Dollar Spaghetti its distinctive rich texture and flavor that sets it apart from ordinary pasta bakes.

Step 5: Assemble The Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place half the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish. Dot with half the butter slices. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top and dot with the remaining butter slices. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer of pasta. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and finish with a layer of Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. This waiting period, though difficult with the amazing aromas filling your kitchen, is crucial for clean slices.

Variations

Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti: Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms, 1 diced zucchini, and 1 diced bell pepper. The vegetables provide a satisfying texture while keeping the dish hearty. You might also add 1/2 cup of cooked lentils for extra protein in your meatless pasta bake.

Chicken Million Dollar Spaghetti: Substitute 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for the ground beef. Mix the chicken directly with the marinara sauce for an easy time-saving variation that’s particularly popular with children. This version pairs wonderfully with a garlic pasta base.

Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce and use pepper jack cheese instead of half the mozzarella. You can also include 1 diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions for those who enjoy a significant kick in their cheesy baked spaghetti casserole.

Storage and Serving

Million Dollar Spaghetti keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

For freezing, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding an extra 15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Serve your Million Dollar Spaghetti with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a complete meal, offer a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, which provide a pleasant color contrast and nutritional balance to this indulgent pasta dish.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese makes an excellent substitute with a similar texture. You could also use additional cream cheese or sour cream if you prefer a smoother consistency in your Million Dollar Spaghetti.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti gives this dish its name, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work wonderfully and might be easier to serve. Just be sure to cook any pasta shape to al dente.

Why is my casserole watery?
This typically happens if the pasta was overcooked or not drained properly. Ensure your spaghetti is al dente and well-drained. Additionally, letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While traditional Million Dollar Spaghetti is baked, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Layer as directed in the recipe, cook on low for 3-4 hours, and add the cheese during the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is comfort food at its finest — a glorious fusion of classic spaghetti and lasagna that creates something uniquely satisfying. The contrast between the tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between casual family dinner and special occasion worthy meal, all while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning for delicious leftovers, this casserole delivers rich, comforting flavor that truly lives up to its million-dollar name.

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