Million Dollar Spaghetti

Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-483356H48M40S
Total time: 8 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (90% lean); 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage (casings removed); 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped); 2 teaspoons garlic (minced); 24-ounce jar marinara sauce (such as Newman's Own); 8-ounce can tomato sauce; Salt and pepper (to taste); 15 ounces ricotta or cottage cheese; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 16 ounces spaghetti (cooked according to package directions); 1/4 cup butter (cut into thin slices); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded); 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; Cooking spray

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 18, 2025

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Million Dollar Spaghetti is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You know those days when you’re craving something indulgent yet comforting? This cheesy, layered pasta casserole is your answer. It combines tender spaghetti with a hearty meat sauce and an amazing four-cheese blend, transforming your dinner into a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or just want a delicious family dinner, this dish is perfect for the occasion.

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What is Million Dollar Spaghetti
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
Preparing Million Dollar Spaghetti
Preheat Your Oven
Create the Meat Sauce
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Assemble the Casserole
Bake to Perfection
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
FAQs
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Let’s face it: weeknight dinners can get a bit mundane. That’s why Million Dollar Spaghetti stands out; it’s not just a recipe, but a way to make your kitchen feel special again. This dish invites you to savor the moment, sharing it with loved ones. With rich flavors, creamy textures, and an inviting aroma, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe!

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a sumptuous, layered spaghetti casserole that transforms a simple pasta dish into a spectacular culinary experience. It blends tender spaghetti with a hearty meat sauce and features four types of cheese, creating a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti

This dish stands out for its rich flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a weeknight dinner that will impress everyone, this million-dollar recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 pound mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
24-ounce jar marinara sauce (such as Newman’s Own)
8-ounce can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper (to taste)
15 ounces ricotta or cottage cheese
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
16 ounces spaghetti (cooked according to package directions)
1/4 cup butter (cut into thin slices)
2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cooking spray

Preparing Million Dollar Spaghetti

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your casserole cooks evenly. Next, coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Create the Meat Sauce

Now, let’s make the meat sauce! In a large pan, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add both the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces. After that, toss in the chopped onion and keep cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the marinara and tomato sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the sauce is simmering, let’s whip up that delicious cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is creamy and well-blended. This mixture will be the star when it comes to layering your casserole.

Assemble the Casserole

It’s assembly time! Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until each strand is evenly coated. Layer half of the thinly sliced butter at the bottom of the prepared dish. Then, add half of the spaghetti mixture on top of the butter layer. Spread the cheesy mixture over this layer, ensuring it covers the pasta. Next, top it off with the remaining spaghetti. Make sure to dot the remaining butter slices over the top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, uncover and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Your goal is to see the pasta bubbling and the cheese melting to a golden brown. To finish, garnish your masterpiece with chopped parsley before serving and let it stand for 5-7 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

For a wholesome meal, serve Million Dollar Spaghetti alongside a crisp side salad and warm garlic bread. These pairings complement the richness of the casserole perfectly, making it a comforting dinner that warms the heart.

Tips for Success

Use high-quality marinara sauce for richer flavor.
Let the casserole rest before serving to enhance the texture of the layers.
Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Variations

If you’re looking for a twist, consider swapping out the Italian sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also play around with different cheese combinations, such as adding fontina or gouda to introduce unique flavors.

FAQs

What can I do with leftovers of Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for that bubbly, golden brown cheese on top, and make sure the center is heated through—you want it to be hot all the way to the bottom.

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for busy nights.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Replace the meat with roasted vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes, and stick with your favorite marinara sauce.

Million Dollar Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and textures that come together beautifully. Ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this casserole brings joy to the table while being easy to prepare. With its creamy layers and savory meat sauce, it is sure to be a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy this comforting feast, filled with love and laughter!

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