Million Dollar Spaghetti:
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate baked pasta dish that combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti into one rich, creamy, and cheesy masterpiece. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. With layers of pasta, meat sauce, creamy cheese, and a golden, bubbly topping, it’s no wonder this dish has earned its “million-dollar” reputation.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Million Dollar Spaghetti, including its ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, serving suggestions, and tips for making it perfect every time. Plus, we’ll include external resources to help you master this recipe and learn more about its variations.
What Is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole that’s as indulgent as its name suggests. It features layers of cooked spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and plenty of melted cheese on top. The dish is baked until golden and bubbly, creating a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
What sets Million Dollar Spaghetti apart from other pasta dishes is its creamy cheese layer, which is made with a combination of cream cheese, ricotta, or cottage cheese, and sour cream. This layer adds a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates the dish to “million-dollar” status.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti
To make Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- Spaghetti (16 ounces): The base of the dish, cooked al dente.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): To coat the spaghetti and prevent it from sticking.
For the Meat Sauce:
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, savory base.
- Italian Sausage (1/2 pound, optional): Adds extra flavor and spice.
- Marinara Sauce (24 ounces): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- Onion (1 small, diced): For added flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory taste.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs to season the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the Cheese Layer:
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the creamy layer.
- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese (1 cup): Adds creaminess and texture.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): For a tangy, rich flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): For layering and topping.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Tools For This Recipes
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| Tool Name | Purpose | Recommended Features | Affiliate Link Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Stick Skillets | Ideal for scrambling eggs and sautéing vegetables | Durable, easy to clean, with heat-resistant handles. | Amazon Non-Stick Skillet |
| Immersion Blenders | Perfect for smoothies and protein smoothie bowls | Powerful motor, easy to use, with multiple speed settings and detachable blending shaft. | Amazon Immersion Blender |
| Digital Measuring Tools | Accurate measurement of ingredients for baking and cooking | Digital display, precise readings, compact size. | Amazon Digital Measuring Tool |
| Slow Cooker | Ideal for time-saving breakfast options like breakfast casseroles | Multi-functional, programmable, large capacity, easy to clean. | Amazon Slow Cooker |
| Blender | For smoothies, protein smoothie bowls, and more | High-speed, durable, multiple blending functions. | Amazon Blender |
| Food Processor | Quick ingredient preparation for salads, pancakes, etc. | Versatile, powerful motor, dishwasher-safe parts. | Amazon Food Processor |
| Instant Pot | Great for batch cooking, oatmeal, and more | Multi-functional (slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker), easy-to-use interface. | Amazon Instant Pot |
| Mason Jars | Ideal for preparing overnight oats and chia puddings | Glass jars with airtight lids, various sizes for meal prep. | Amazon Mason Jars |
| Meal Prep Containers | Essential for organizing pre-prepared meals like overnight oats and egg muffins | BPA-free, stackable, and microwave-safe. | Amazon Meal Prep Containers |
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How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this decadent dish:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cheese mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Variations of Million Dollar Spaghetti
While the classic recipe is a hit, there are plenty of ways to customize Million Dollar Spaghetti to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to the sauce.
- Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.
- Cheese Lovers: Add extra layers of cheese or experiment with different types, like provolone or gouda.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a healthy touch with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for a complete dining experience.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the sauce and finish cooking in the oven.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan will melt better and taste fresher.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to make slicing and serving easier.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for Million Dollar Spaghetti (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 850mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well as substitutes for spaghetti.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
For more recipes like this, visit AllRecipes’ Pasta Collection.
