Irresistible Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe That Tastes Rich

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar spaghetti that promises to turn an ordinary dinner into a spectacular feast.

Layers of rich, creamy cheese blend seamlessly with hearty meat sauce, creating a casserole that’s pure magic.

Every forkful delivers a decadent combination of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

The recipe combines simple ingredients in an extraordinary way, proving that home cooking can be both easy and impressive.

Pasta lovers will adore how this dish transforms basic ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Million Dollar Spaghetti: Worth Every Bite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic spaghetti into a rich, cheesy casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Combines simple ingredients with straightforward layering technique, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Family Dinner Champion: Delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, turning an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast with its creamy, meaty layers.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Works brilliantly for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, impressing guests without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Dinner

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides the foundational layer for this hearty casserole.

• Ground Beef: Flavorful meat that adds rich protein and creates a substantial main component of the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Zesty tomato sauce that enhances the meat's flavor and adds moisture to the casserole.

• Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy blend that creates a smooth, tangy filling with rich texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide golden, bubbly topping with deep savory flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy surface when baking.

Cooking Directions for Show-Stopping Spaghetti

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some cheesy magic.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Base

Boil your spaghetti according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente.

Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, sizzle the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned.

Drain away any extra fat, then pour in the marinara sauce.

Let it simmer and get all flavor-packed for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream

Blend until super smooth and luscious.

Step 5: Create the First Pasta Layer

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread out half of your cooked spaghetti as the first delicious foundation.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Blanket

Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the first spaghetti layer, creating a rich and tangy base.

Step 7: Complete the Pasta Stack

Layer the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.

Step 8: Pour on the Meat Sauce

Spread the seasoned meat sauce evenly across the top of the pasta stack.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 10: Butter the Top

Dot the surface with small bits of butter for extra richness.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese that’s calling your name.

Step 12: Let It Rest

After removing from the oven, let the spaghetti sit and settle for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Kitchen Tips for Creamy Million Dollar Pasta

• Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushy texture when baking.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier spreading throughout the dish.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to minimize excess grease and keep the casserole from becoming oily.
• Add Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the meat sauce for extra depth and aromatic richness.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for easy meal planning.

Creative Additions for Spaghetti Night

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a meat-free version of the dish.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables to the recipe.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add diced olives, roasted red peppers, and swap marinara for a lighter tomato sauce with fresh herbs like basil and oregano.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Best

• Hearty Family Feast: Perfect for Sunday dinners with loved ones, this spaghetti casserole serves as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together around the table.
• Weekend Potluck Champion: Easily transportable and sure to impress at community gatherings, church events, or neighborhood potlucks where crowd-pleasing dishes are celebrated.
• Italian Restaurant Remake: Elevate your home dining experience by plating this dish with fresh basil garnish, extra grated Parmesan, and a side of garlic bread to mimic a cozy Italian restaurant atmosphere.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it an excellent option for busy families who want a delicious dinner with minimal day-of preparation.

Storing Spaghetti for Delicious Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What is the key to the creamy texture in Million Dollar Spaghetti?

The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a rich, smooth layer that gives the dish its signature creamy texture and adds depth of flavor.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences or taste.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti reheats wonderfully and can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing ahead of time.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy million dollar spaghetti brings Italian-American comfort to your dinner table with layers of rich meat sauce and melted cheese. Comfort meets luxury in this crowd-pleasing casserole you’ll want to savor bite after delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Cheeses and Dairy:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F, preparing for a luxurious pasta transformation.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain to prevent wateriness.
3. In a heavy skillet, transform ground beef into a rich, caramelized base by browning over medium heat, carefully eliminating excess fat.
4. Enhance the meat with marinara sauce, allowing flavors to meld and intensify during a gentle 5-minute simmer.
5. Create a velvety cheese blend by whisking cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Craft the first pasta layer in a generously buttered 9×13-inch baking vessel, spreading the luscious cheese mixture as a creamy foundation.
7. Construct the second pasta layer, then lavishly coat with the robust meat sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Generously crown the dish with a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a golden, crispy cheese topping.
9. Strategically dot the surface with butter fragments to enhance richness and promote beautiful caramelization.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape of deliciousness.
11. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Make the dish lighter by using lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content.
• Enhance nutrition by adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the cheese mixture for extra vitamins.
• Prepare ahead by assembling the casserole a day before and refrigerating, which allows flavors to develop more intensely.
• Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother, richer texture if preferred by family or guests.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 622 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 557 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg