The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is truly a showstopper that transforms simple pasta and classic Italian flavors into a comforting, crowd-pleasing feast. This dish combines rich, creamy cheeses with a savory meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, layered to perfection before a warm, bubbly bake in the oven. If you want a hearty meal that feels indulgent but comes together with accessible ingredients, this recipe is your new go-to for family dinners or special occasions alike. You’re going to fall in love with how effortlessly it turns ordinary spaghetti into something spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s the savory aromatics that build the base flavor, the cheeses that add luscious creaminess, or the marinara that ties it all together with bright tomato notes. These aren’t complicated or exotic ingredients, but together they create layers of taste and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and help develop the perfect crust.
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce, balancing the acidity of the marinara.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base for the savory meat sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided: Infuses the dish with classic herbaceous notes.
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided: A rich and tangy tomato element that moistens the layers beautifully.
- 1 pound spaghetti: The star staple, cooked just shy of al dente for ideal texture after baking.
- Kosher salt, to taste (for pasta water): Crucial for seasoning the spaghetti as it cooks.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness to the cheese layer, making it ultra smooth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Brings lightness and a slightly sweet tang to balance the savory components.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the cheese mixture with an extra garlicky hint.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to form a bubbly, golden crown on top.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onions and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent. Make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking, then season the meat with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir in 2 cups of the marinara sauce to create a rich, savory base for the bake. Set this delicious mixture aside for layering later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the meat sauce is cooling slightly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti. The trick here is to cook it for about 3 minutes less than al dente, so the noodles maintain a slight bite even after baking. Drain the spaghetti well, then toss it with the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce to keep it flavorful and prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and well blended. This luscious cheese mixture will add a creamy layer that perfectly complements the savory elements of the dish and keeps every forkful satisfying.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! In your prepared baking dish, start by spreading half of the sauced spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Then layer the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the hearty meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything, which will melt to a bubbly golden perfection while baking.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Bake the assembled Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the cheese to turn golden. For those who love a crispy cheesy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—but watch carefully to avoid burning. Once finished, let the dish sit for a few minutes for easier serving before diving in.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich layers below. If you’re feeling indulgent, a grating of Parmesan cheese right before serving can add an extra salty tang that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in light vinaigrettes, or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a classic side that mops up any leftover sauce and makes the meal feel even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. This makes for an impressive presentation at dinner parties. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle with a bit of good-quality olive oil to customize each serving just the way you like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This means you can make it ahead of time and enjoy the leftovers without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the leftover spaghetti casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and consider portioning it out for easier reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly—usually about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that will still provide plenty of flavor when seasoned well. Just be mindful it cooks a bit faster, so keep an eye on it.
Is it necessary to use both cream cheese and ricotta?
Yes, the combination gives the cheese layer a perfect balance of creamy texture and light tanginess that makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe stand out. You could experiment with one or the other, but the dish won’t be quite the same.
What kind of marinara sauce works best?
Choose a high-quality store-bought marinara or make your own if you have the time. The sauce should have a fresh, vibrant tomato flavor to complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out traditional spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your sauce and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
How do I get a crispy top without broiling?
If you prefer to skip broiling, make sure the mozzarella cheese is spread evenly and bake the casserole uncovered. Using a bit more mozzarella on top can help it achieve a nicely browned finish during the regular baking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe—it’s comfort food with a little extra love packed into every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe is bound to become a treasured favorite. Give it a try, and watch how this simple blend of ingredients turns into a golden, cheesy masterpiece that everyone will rave about!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of flavorful ground beef in marinara sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and tender spaghetti, all topped with melted mozzarella for a rich, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Kosher salt, to taste (for pasta water)
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the meat mixture with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until it is slightly undercooked, about 3 minutes less than the package’s al dente recommendation. Drain the spaghetti and immediately toss it with 1 cup of marinara sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Mix the cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the layers: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti as the first layer. Dollop and evenly spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Then add the remaining spaghetti on top. Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the top layer. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Optional broiling step: For a crispier, browned top, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti hot and fresh for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Under-cooking the spaghetti slightly ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
- Use softened cream cheese to make mixing easier and ensure a smooth cheese layer.
- Broiling is optional but adds a lovely golden, crispy top to the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for different flavor variations.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking directly from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
