Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food dish that combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti? The Million Dollar Spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing, ultra-rich pasta bake layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you just need a cozy, delicious meal. Named for its luxurious flavor and texture, this recipe will definitely make you feel like a million bucks after just one bite!

this Recipe

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked spaghetti casserole that’s loaded with creamy layers of pasta, seasoned meat sauce, a decadent cream cheese mixture, and lots of gooey melted cheese. It’s similar to lasagna but with spaghetti, giving you that comforting, homey pasta flavor, along with the richness of a baked casserole. The "million dollar" comes from the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella that makes the dish extra creamy and irresistible.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Here’s what you’ll need to make Million Dollar Spaghetti:

For the Spaghetti:

1. Spaghetti pasta – 1 pound (450g)
2. Salt – for pasta water

For the Meat Sauce:

1. Ground beef – 1 pound (450g) (or you can use Italian sausage or a combination)
2. Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
3. Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
4. Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
5. Marinara sauce – 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
6. Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
7. Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
8. Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
9. Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional, for some heat)

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

1. Cream cheese – 8 ounces (softened)
2. Sour cream – ½ cup
3. Cottage cheese – 1 cup (optional, but adds great creaminess)
4. Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (for mixing and topping)
5. Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
6. Milk – ¼ cup (to loosen up the cream cheese mixture if needed)
7. Salt and pepper – to taste

For Topping:

1. Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
2. Fresh parsley or basil – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can make it your own by adjusting ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Meat Variations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
• Vegetarian Option: Make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the meat with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Spice It Up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making Million Dollar Spaghetti step by step.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches) with non-stick spray or butter.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes, depending on the package instructions). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Meat Sauce

While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet. Break it up into smaller pieces and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer on low for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

4. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

5. Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble your Million Dollar Spaghetti. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then, layer half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the meat sauce.

Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of spaghetti, creating a smooth, creamy middle layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.

Finally, pour the rest of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, making sure everything is evenly covered.

6. Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

7. Broil for a Golden Top

After baking, remove the aluminum foil and set the oven to broil. Broil the casserole for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once done, remove the Million Dollar Spaghetti from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a touch of color and extra flavor. Slice and serve hot!

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

Here’s a quick summary of the steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. Make the meat sauce by browning ground beef, adding onions, garlic, and marinara sauce.
3. Prepare the creamy cheese mixture with cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and mozzarella.
4. Layer the casserole with spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
5. Top with mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes, then broil for 3-5 minutes until golden.
6. Let it rest, garnish, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Spaghetti: Be sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the baked casserole.
• Forgetting to Drain the Meat: After browning the meat, be sure to drain any excess fat. Too much grease can make the casserole oily.
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the creamy mixture. You can leave it at room temperature or microwave it for a few seconds.
• Skipping the Broil: Don’t skip the broil step! This gives the casserole that beautiful, golden-brown finish that makes it even more appetizing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve with Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread is the perfect companion to this rich and creamy pasta dish.
• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions of the casserole, topped with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with light, fresh sides to balance the creamy richness. Here are some serving ideas:

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table for a rustic, homey feel.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh parsley, basil, or even chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cheese Pull Moment: Cut into the casserole and lift a slice to reveal that melty, cheesy "pull" moment, which is always a crowd-pleaser.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezing: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. Simply assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
   Yes! You can substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
   Absolutely! Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow the same cooking instructions.
3. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
4. Is cottage cheese necessary for the recipe?
   Cottage cheese adds creaminess, but you can substitute it with ricotta or omit it if you prefer.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, indulgent dish that combines the best of pasta, cheese, and a flavorful meat sauce into one irresistible casserole. With its creamy layers and bubbly cheese topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a luxurious comfort meal, this baked spaghetti will not disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of this million-dollar meal!

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