This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull together – which is why I keep coming back to it for family dinners or even casual get-togethers. It s got everything you want in a pasta bake: rich, meaty sauce layered with creamy cheese blends and perfectly tender spaghetti. Honestly, it turns out so creamy and comforting, and you ll find that it quickly becomes a crowd favorite.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the combination of cream cheese and cottage cheese adds such a luscious texture without being overly heavy. Plus, it s super versatile – perfect for serving a bigger crew or making ahead for busy weeknights. If you re wondering how to elevate your spaghetti game, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is totally worth giving a shot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese gives this dish a velvety, indulgent feel without being too heavy.
- Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep it all in advance and bake when you’re ready, making your life less stressful on busy days.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week.
- Flavor Packed: Combining ground beef with Italian sausage and plenty of cheese creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that folks rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver both comfort and flavor. Using both ground beef and Italian sausage gives the sauce that perfect savory depth.
- Spaghetti noodles: Go for good-quality dry spaghetti; it holds up well without turning mushy when baked.
- Ground beef: Lean or regular works, but I prefer 80/20 for flavor and juiciness.
- Ground Italian sausage or pork sausage: Adds that herby, slightly spicy note that kicks this dish up a notch.
- Salt and pepper: Season simply to let the meat and cheese shine through.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic for that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for extra brightness and acidity.
- Butter: Tossed with hot noodles – adds richness and prevents sticking.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing into the cheese layer, creating silky creaminess.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and smooth texture, balancing the richness.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese: I use cottage cheese for its creamy but light texture but ricotta makes a great alternative.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and adds stretch and gooeyness.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for sharp, nutty flavor on top.
Variations
I love to tweak the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe depending on what I have in my fridge or dietary needs. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your own twists to make it truly your own.
- Meat variations: I’ve had great results using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheese swaps: For a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives-you’ll be surprised how good it can be!
- Vegetable add-ins: Adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach works perfectly if you want to sneak in more veggies.
- Spicy kick: Consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce with Love
Start by browning your ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. I like to season well with salt and pepper here to enhance the flavor. Once the meat is cooked through, drain most of the grease but leave a little bit to keep it juicy. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions get translucent and tender-this step builds that savory base you re looking for. Pour in nearly all of your marinara sauce, saving half a cup for later. Give it a good stir and let it simmer off the heat while you prepare the noodles.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti to Al Dente Perfection
Boil your spaghetti according to package instructions, but make sure to cook it just until al dente – you don t want it mushy after baking. Drain it well, then transfer the hot noodles to a large mixing bowl. While the pasta s still warm, toss it gently with the butter and that reserved half cup of marinara sauce. This simple step warms the noodles and keeps them from sticking while adding another layer of flavor.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta if you prefer). Mix everything together until smooth and creamy – this makes the luscious, signature layer of the dish. I always mix it well to avoid any lumps, and sometimes I use a handheld mixer to get it ultra smooth.
Step 4: Assemble Your Million Dollar Spaghetti
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading half of your pasta evenly on the bottom. Next, gently dollop and smooth your cheese mixture over the noodles, creating a thick, creamy layer. Add the remaining noodles on top, then spread the meat sauce all over the pasta, smoothing it down evenly. Finish by sprinkling the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top for a deliciously golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Hot, Bubbly & Perfect
Bake your assembled masterpiece in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes. I usually start checking around 20 minutes to see if the cheese is browning too quickly; if so, I tent a piece of foil over it to prevent burning. One trick I learned is to let the baked spaghetti rest for at least 15 minutes once it s out of the oven – this helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier without the layers sliding around. Then, dig in and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe magic!
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Reserve Marinara Sauce: I always save a bit of sauce before combining everything to toss with the noodles – it adds moisture and ties all the layers together.
- Don t Overcook Pasta: Cooking spaghetti just al dente means it won t get mushy during baking; trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Smooth Cheese Layer: Use softened cream cheese and mix well to avoid lumps, which gives the casserole a beautiful velvety texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Waiting 15 minutes post-bake is key to letting everything set so your slices stay intact.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add an extra grating of parmesan cheese on top, which feels like a little luxury bite every time. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper also goes well if you want to jazz it up.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe are a simple Caesar salad or roasted garlic bread to soak up all those delicious saucy bits. Roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus round out the meal nicely and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve served this in elegant individual ramekins which really impress guests with layered visuals. Another idea I love is topping it with fresh heirloom cherry tomatoes or a sprinkling of toasted breadcrumbs for some crunch. It s a crowd-pleaser no matter how you style it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti refrigerates beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. I usually portion it out so it s easier to reheat just what I need without waste. Plus, the flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a lovely bonus.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a few times with great success – just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When you re ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen but add extra baking time and tent with foil if the cheese browns too fast. It s a lifesaver for busy weeks!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. Covering with foil during reheating helps keep the cheese from drying out. I find that reheating at 325°F slowly preserves the creamy texture much better than a quick microwave zap.
FAQs
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Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning and cook times accordingly.
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What s the best cheese to use in this recipe?
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta) creates a creamy base, while mozzarella adds meltiness and parmesan contributes a sharp finish. Using freshly grated parmesan makes a noticeable flavor difference compared to pre-grated.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is great for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it the day before and keep it covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
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How do I prevent the cheese from browning too fast?
If you notice the cheese topping getting too brown early in baking, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing everything to heat through evenly.
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional here, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or other pasta shapes you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and toss with butter and reserved sauce like the original method.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it combines simple ingredients into something unexpectedly luxurious and comforting. I love sharing it with friends who often ask for the recipe afterward! Once you try it, you ll see how easy it is to make a delicious, hearty meal that feels like a treat but comes together with minimal fuss. Trust me, adding this to your dinner lineup is a win you won t regret – cook it for your next gathering, and watch everyone go crazy.
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a decadent baked pasta casserole featuring layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, and creamy cheese blends including cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. This comfort food classic is baked to bubbly perfection and served warm, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (reserved)
Meat Sauce
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (use all but 1/2 cup)
Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain off most of the grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well, then immediately toss the hot noodles in a large bowl with butter and the reserved ½ cup marinara sauce to coat evenly.
- Prepare Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese or ricotta. Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the sauced spaghetti evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully smooth the cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti noodles followed by the meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly. Check halfway through, and if the cheese begins to brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes to set. This helps the layers firm up for easier slicing and serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Reserve ½ cup of marinara sauce before adding the bulk to the meat mixture to coat the pasta later.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking allows it to set and makes serving cleaner.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese in the cheese layer according to preference.
- To prevent the cheese from browning too fast during baking, tent the dish with aluminum foil after 20 minutes if needed.
- This recipe serves 15, making it ideal for large gatherings or meal prepping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/15th of the casserole)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
