Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Are you in the mood for a rich, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or special occasion? Look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti! This decadent casserole layers spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this recipe feels like a million bucks! Keep reading for the full recipe, variations, substitutions, and tips to perfect your Million Dollar Spaghetti every time.

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What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is an indulgent casserole that combines the best parts of lasagna and baked spaghetti into one ultra-rich, creamy, and cheesy dish. It features layers of spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all baked to golden perfection with a layer of melted cheese on top. The name "Million Dollar" comes from the fact that this dish is so decadent and delicious, it tastes like a million bucks!

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried), chopped

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti (for Variations)

• ½ cup ricotta cheese (to replace the sour cream for a different texture)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a sharper flavor)
• ½ cup fresh spinach (chopped and added to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or oregano (for a fresher herb flavor)
• ¼ cup bacon bits (for extra richness and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky twist)

Substitutions and Variations

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a flexible recipe that allows you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Protein: You can replace ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Cheese: Swap cream cheese for mascarpone if you want a creamier, richer filling. Ricotta or cottage cheese can be used interchangeably depending on your preference.
• Pasta: While traditional spaghetti works best, you can also use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, or even penne for a different texture.
• Sauce: Instead of marinara sauce, you can use homemade spaghetti sauce, a Bolognese sauce, or a tomato basil sauce for a fresher taste.
• Greens: For added nutrition, you can layer in sautéed spinach, kale, or zucchini between the pasta and cheese mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
2. Add the Marinara: Pour in the marinara sauce and add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.

3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

1. Mix the Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Layer the Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Layer the Pasta: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
2. Spread the Cheese Mixture: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of spaghetti.
3. Add the Rest of the Spaghetti: Place the remaining half of the spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
4. Top with Meat Sauce: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the entire dish, making sure to cover all the pasta.

5. Add the Cheese Topping:

1. Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole:

1. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the Foil: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Let it Rest and Serve:

1. Cool Slightly: Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.

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

1. Cook Spaghetti to Al Dente: Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture better.
2. Use Softened Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a creamy, consistent texture in the cheese mixture.
3. Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the meat sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes helps to develop the flavors and thickens the sauce, preventing a watery casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set. Cutting into it too soon can result in a messy slice.
• Not Covering with Foil: Covering the dish with foil while baking helps prevent the cheese from over-browning and drying out before the casserole is heated through.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing dish, and with a little attention to presentation, you can make it look as impressive as it tastes.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, allowing each person to scoop out a generous portion.
• With Sides: Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
• For Potlucks: This dish travels well! Let it cool slightly, cover with foil, and take it to potlucks or gatherings. Reheat it for about 15 minutes in a warm oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, or oregano on top just before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve Individual Portions: Cut the casserole into clean squares and serve each portion on a plate with a garnish of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprig of parsley.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic, homey presentation, bake the spaghetti in a cast-iron skillet and serve it directly from the pan at the table.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Freeze for Later: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well! Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Use a Sharp Cheese: Using a sharper cheese like cheddar in the topping can add a little extra bite and flavor to balance out the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Absolutely. You can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly in foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any type of long pasta or even short pasta like penne, ziti, or rigatoni.

4. What kind of meat can I use?
You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a mixture of different meats. Vegetarian versions with plant-based meat substitutes or extra veggies also work well.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of your favorite pasta dishes in one rich, cheesy, and satisfying casserole. With layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a dish that freezes and reheats beautifully, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that tastes like a million bucks!

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