Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta that will take your family dinners to the next level. This dish features layers of spaghetti, rich cream cheese filling, seasoned meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, making it a comfort food favorite. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights, this Million Dollar Spaghetti will surely become a household staple. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti

There are many reasons why this dish is a hit. First, the creamy layers of cheese and pasta create a rich and satisfying meal. Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. Third, the baked version gives it a delightful texture that everyone loves. Fourth, it’s perfect for family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy. Fifth, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Finally, this gourmet spaghetti recipe is versatile; you can easily tailor it to suit your family’s preferences, whether that’s by adding vegetables or swapping out the meat. With its delicious layers, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again!

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Gather these items:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced onions
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (divided)
• 1 pound spaghetti noodles
• Kosher salt (for pasta water)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up as you go, until browned and no longer pink.
4. Step 4: Drain the beef and return to the pan. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce and set aside.
5. Step 5: While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente.
6. Step 6: Drain pasta and return to the pot. Toss with remaining 1 cup marinara sauce. Set aside.
7. Step 7: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
8. Step 8: Assemble the casserole: Spread half the spaghetti in an even layer in the prepared dish. Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Layer remaining spaghetti on top. Spread meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and edges are bubbly. For extra browning, broil 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
10. Step 10: Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti

Keep these in mind:

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling.
• Don’t overcook the spaghetti; it should be firm since it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Consider adding spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Best Ways to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it even more. Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast, or pair it with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Another option is to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added richness. If you’re looking for delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti ideas, consider offering a variety of toppings like crushed red pepper or fresh herbs.

How to Store and Reheat Million Dollar Spaghetti

To store leftovers, allow the Million Dollar Spaghetti to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the portion in the microwave or oven until heated through. Remember, this dish is perfect for meal prep, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Spaghetti

What’s the secret to perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti?

The key is to balance the creaminess with the right amount of marinara sauce. Make sure to layer the ingredients properly so that every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Million Dollar Spaghetti?

One common mistake is overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente before baking. Additionally, ensure the cream cheese is fully integrated into the mixture for a smooth filling.

Variations of Million Dollar Spaghetti You Can Try

There are many ways to customize your Million Dollar Spaghetti. Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version, or add some cooked sausage for extra flavor. For a vegetarian twist, consider using Million Dollar Macaroni with a blend of roasted vegetables instead of meat. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique taste.

For more information on pasta dishes, check out this homemade tomato sauce recipe that pairs perfectly with spaghetti. If you’re interested in more Italian recipes, visit spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick and easy meal. Don’t forget to explore pappardelle with beef ragu for a hearty option!

Delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti for Family Gatherings

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta with layers of spaghetti, rich cream cheese filling, seasoned meat sauce, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced onions
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (divided)
• 1 pound spaghetti noodles
• Kosher salt (for pasta water)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up as you go, until browned and no longer pink.
4. Drain the beef and return to the pan. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce and set aside.
5. While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente.
6. Drain pasta and return to the pot. Toss with remaining 1 cup marinara sauce. Set aside.
7. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
8. Assemble the casserole: Spread half the spaghetti in an even layer in the prepared dish. Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Layer remaining spaghetti on top. Spread meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and edges are bubbly. For extra browning, broil 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
10. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg