Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and indulgent pasta casserole that lives up to its name. With a rich meat sauce, layers of cheese, and perfectly baked spaghetti, itโs a crowd-pleasing comfort food thatโs perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. The combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and a delicious marinara sauce makes this dish irresistible.
In this guide, weโll walk you through how to make this tasty dish, share helpful tips for perfecting it, and offer some variations to suit your preferences.
What Is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole that features layers of spaghetti, rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese. The dish is called โMillion Dollarโ because of its rich, decadent flavor, which is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Itโs a twist on traditional spaghetti, but baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal thatโs perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Hereโs what youโll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef (or sausage for more flavor)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. For a richer flavor, toss the cooked spaghetti with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, then stir to combine. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Stir everything together until smooth. This mixture will create the creamy, cheesy layer in the casserole.
- Layer the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). In a greased 9ร13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce, then spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese mixture. Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Variations
1. Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti:
If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage in place of the ground beef. This will add a nice kick to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
2. Veggie Million Dollar Spaghetti:
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can even use a plant-based meat substitute to keep the texture hearty.
3. Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti:
For an even creamier dish, add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream to the ricotta mixture. This will make the casserole extra rich and indulgent.
4. Chicken Million Dollar Spaghetti:
For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for cooked shredded chicken. The creamy ricotta and marinara sauce will still make the dish flavorful without being too heavy.
Why I Love This Meal:
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. Itโs the perfect balance of cheesy goodness, savory meat sauce, and tender spaghettiโall baked to perfection. What I love most is how simple it is to prepare but how impressive it is when served. Every bite feels like a cozy, indulgent hug. The best part is that itโs so versatile! Whether I make it with beef, chicken, or veggies, it always turns out delicious. Plus, itโs a great dish for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. If youโre a fan of classic spaghetti but crave something more comforting and layered, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
People Also Ask: FAQs About Million Dollar Spaghetti
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge overnight before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When youโre ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 30-35 minutes.
Definitely! Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes wonderfully. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, cook at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 45-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. The key is to use a pasta that will hold up well to the sauce and cheese layers.
Yes! If you donโt have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
To reheat leftovers, place them in a covered baking dish and bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 2-3 minutes.
Equipment
- ๐ณ Large skillet
- ๐ฅฃ Mixing bowls
- ๐ Large pot for pasta
- ๐ฅ 9ร13 baking dish
- ๐ช Sharp knife
- ๐ฅ Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- ๐ 1 pound spaghetti cooked al dente
- ๐ฅฉ 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- ๐ง 1 medium onion diced
- ๐ง 3 cloves garlic minced
- ๐ฅซ 2 cups marinara sauce
- ๐ง 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ๐ง Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Creamy Layer:
- ๐ง 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ๐ฅ 1/2 cup sour cream
- ๐ง 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- For Topping:
- ๐ง 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ๐ง 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- ๐ฟ Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13 baking dish.
- ๐ณ In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- ๐ฅฃ In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta until smooth.
- ๐ Toss the cooked spaghetti with a portion of the meat sauce to coat evenly.
- Layer the casserole:
- โ Spread half the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- โ Add the creamy cheese mixture as the middle layer.
- โ Top with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- ๐ง Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
๐ Let the casserole rest to firm up before slicing.
๐ Swap marinara with homemade tomato sauce for a fresher taste. Storage Tips:
โ๏ธ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
โ Freeze: Freeze assembled (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 350ยฐF, adding extra time.
๐ฅ Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350ยฐF. Pro Tips:
๐ Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
๐ Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
๐ Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Variations:
๐ฅฌ Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
๐ง Use a blend of cheeses like provolone or Gruyere.
๐ถ๏ธ Make it spicy with hot Italian sausage.
๐ฅฉ Use a meatless marinara sauce for a vegetarian option. Common Questions:
โ Can I make it ahead? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
โ Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Choose your favorite gluten-free spaghetti.
โ Too dry? Add a splash of marinara before baking. Perfect For:
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family dinners
๐ Potlucks
๐ฝ๏ธ Special occasions
๐ฅ Feeding a crowd Serving Suggestions:
๐ฅ Caesar salad
๐ฅ Garlic bread
๐ท Red wine or iced tea
๐ฟ Fresh herbs for garnish
Nutrition
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and indulgent pasta casserole that combines savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese into a dish thatโs sure to impress. Whether youโre serving it for a special dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy this delicious meal that everyone will ask for seconds!
If you enjoyed this recipe, donโt miss our other mouthwatering pasta and casserole dishes!
