Million Dollar Spaghetti

why make this recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and cheesy delight that brings comfort and warmth to any family meal. With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, and rich cheeses, it is loved by both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weekdays!

how to make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then layer with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheeses on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

how to serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti hot, straight out of the oven. It pairs perfectly with a simple side salad and garlic bread. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for a fresh touch.

how to store Million Dollar Spaghetti

To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Cook the spaghetti al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
• Feel free to use turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage for a lighter option.
• Adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce can enhance flavor and nutrition.
• For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle more mozzarella on top before the final baking.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version of Million Dollar Spaghetti by using a meat substitute or just adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant in the sauce. This way, you can enjoy the flavors while keeping it plant-based!

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.

Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses, like cheddar or provolone.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for regular spaghetti. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

This indulgent baked spaghetti casserole features layers of tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, a creamy, savory cheese filling, and plenty of gooey mozzarella, making it a crowd-pleasing family favorite.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Sauce

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta & Cheese Layer

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow flavors to meld.

Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and milk until smooth.

Assembly & Baking

1. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Evenly spread the entire ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer.
3. Top with the remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce over it, spreading evenly.
4. Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from oven, sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra rich flavor, try browning the ground beef with some pancetta. You can also add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added vegetables. This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prepping.