If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with comforting Italian flavors, look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. It’s one of those rare meals that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to pull together, making it perfect for a family dinner or feeding a crowd. With layers of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses, this casserole promises to become your go-to comfort food that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe plays a key role, combining to create irresistible textures and mouthwatering flavors. Each one is straightforward, easy to find, and contributes to the dish’s creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
- 1 lb. spaghetti noodles: The backbone of the dish, these noodles deliver a classic pasta texture to hold all the wonderful layers together.
- 1 lb. ground beef*: Adds hearty, meaty flavor and richness to the sauce.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the savory notes in both the meat and cheese components.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning**: Brings that signature herbaceous touch reminiscent of traditional Italian dishes.
- 1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce***: A vibrant tomato base that ties together the spaghetti and meat for a luscious sauce.
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened): Brings creaminess and a slight tang that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a subtle tang that enhances the dish’s depth.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: A lighter cheese option that adds texture and balances the richness.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, salty bite to heighten the flavor complexity.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top, creating a golden, gooey finish that everyone adores.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking. Then, boil your spaghetti noodles until they reach al dente firmness—tender but with a slight bite. This perfect texture ensures your noodles won’t get mushy after baking. Drain the spaghetti well and spread it evenly in a greased 9×13 casserole dish; this creates a delicious foundation for your other layers.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while sprinkling in salt and Italian seasoning. These simple spices pack a punch, infusing the meat with classic Italian flavor notes. Once cooked through and nicely browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy but still juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine and Coat the Spaghetti
Take half a cup of your marinara sauce and pour it onto the spaghetti in the casserole dish. Use tongs to gently toss and coat the noodles so every strand is infused with the fresh tomato flavor. This step keeps the pasta moist and flavorful as it bakes.
Step 4: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Add the remaining marinara sauce to the browned meat in the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. This creates a rich, savory topping for your sauced noodles.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture melts into the casserole, adding irresistible creaminess and tang that elevates the entire dish.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Spread the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti base in the casserole dish. Then, dollop spoonfuls of your cheese mixture over the meat sauce, using a spatula to gently spread it out in an even layer. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top; this cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. After removing it from the oven, let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow everything to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the rich flavors wonderfully. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the savory punch and make each bite extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are fantastic options for sopping up any leftover cheesy sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also layer the entire casserole in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful, mouthwatering layers of cheese and sauce — a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners the next few days.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole by wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It stays fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe, place portions in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual servings with a cover to keep moisture in, heating in 1–2 minute intervals until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and still delivers great flavor when seasoned properly. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since turkey cooks a bit faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply skip the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You can also add lentils for protein, and the dish will still be creamy and satisfying.
What makes this recipe a “Million Dollar” dish?
The name highlights how incredibly rich, cheesy, and indulgent the casserole tastes, giving you restaurant-quality comfort food with simple ingredients. The creamy layers and flavorful meat sauce elevate traditional spaghetti to something truly special.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Definitely! While spaghetti is traditional, penne, rotini, or rigatoni also work well for holding the sauce and layers, adding a little variety to your presentation and texture.
How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Make sure to drain your cooked pasta completely and brown the meat thoroughly, draining excess fat. Also, letting the casserole sit after baking allows the juices to set so it slices nicely without being too soupy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished meal in your rotation for hearty, comforting dinners. The blend of creamy cheeses, savory meat, and classic pasta is pure joy in every bite. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s worth every delicious bite!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta casserole that combines al dente spaghetti noodles with seasoned ground beef and layers of creamy cheeses. Topped with marinara and mozzarella, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and serves up to eight people.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. spaghetti noodles
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Sauces and Cheeses
- 1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles following package instructions until al dente. Drain and place the noodles evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt and Italian seasoning until browned. Drain any excess liquid from the pan to avoid sogginess.
- Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Pour half a cup of marinara sauce over the spaghetti in the casserole dish. Use tongs to gently mix so the noodles are coated.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Add the remaining marinara sauce to the cooked beef and simmer on low heat for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Meat Sauce: Spread the meat and marinara sauce evenly over the sauced spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Dollop the cheese mixture over the meat sauce, then use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the top.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cheese layer, covering the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool and set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to retain its layers and serve easily.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use whole milk cottage cheese for creamier texture or low-fat for a lighter dish.
- Letting the casserole rest helps prevent it from falling apart when serving.
- Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make sure to drain the cooked spaghetti well to avoid a watery casserole.
