If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that puts a delightful twist on classic pasta nights, look no further than the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. This baked spaghetti casserole is layered with a rich blend of creamy cheeses, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, and a luscious marinara sauce that elevates everyday spaghetti into a decadent, hearty meal. It’s a perfect dish to bring warmth to your table, impress family and friends, and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t worry—this recipe calls for simple, familiar items that work together beautifully to deliver a rich taste, satisfying texture, and inviting color. Each component enhances the flavors while creating a creamy, cheesy, and meaty balance that defines the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.
- 1 pound spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, cooked until just tender to hold up well in the bake.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sautée meat and veggies, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and substance to the sauce layer.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a spicy, aromatic depth that lifts the meat mixture.
- 1 small onion (diced): Offers sweetness and texture when cooked until soft.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a warm, fragrant note to the savory filling.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: The tomato base which ties together the meat and pasta.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened): Brings luscious creaminess that melts beautifully in the bake.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds a mild tang and soft texture, keeping the cheese layer light.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances the cream cheese with a subtle tang and silkiness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that gooey, bubbling top layer.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory finish that browns nicely in the oven.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional): Fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. This means it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta well but avoid rinsing it—keeping that starch will help the sauce stick better later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage (with casings removed), and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onions soften, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease carefully to avoid a greasy casserole. Pour in the marinara sauce, add salt and pepper, then reduce the heat and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious layer will add the much-loved rich texture and mild tang that makes this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe so special.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Then add the remaining spaghetti on top, gently pressing it out to cover. Carefully spoon the meat sauce over the upper layer of noodles, making sure it covers the pasta evenly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top for that classic melted and golden cheese crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to heat through and allow the cheeses to meld. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Once out of the oven, give it a 10-minute rest so the casserole sets for easier serving, making sure every slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten the rich flavors, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving. This simple garnish not only adds a fresh pop of green but also a subtle herbal note that wakes up the dish.
Side Dishes
The hearty nature of this baked spaghetti pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a classic Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. These sides add texture contrast and a bit of freshness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casseroles for personal portions that look charming and make plating effortless. You might also sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs tableside, letting everyone customize their serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days. Storing it properly keeps the cheese creamy and the flavors blended beautifully, ensuring every bite tastes just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake; wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, making dinner prep easy on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave for a few minutes or gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Covering prevents the pasta from drying out, maintaining that creamy, cheesy goodness you expect from the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta makes a great substitute, offering a slightly different texture and creaminess that many people enjoy equally. Feel free to choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is it necessary to use both ground beef and Italian sausage?
Using both adds a great depth of flavor with the sausage’s spices complementing the milder beef. However, if you prefer, you can use all beef or all sausage and still have a tasty dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most gluten-free noodles hold up well in baked dishes like this as long as they are cooked al dente.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage to give the dish a nice kick. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture if you enjoy bold heat.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover the dish with a lid or foil while reheating in the oven to trap moisture, or add a splash of water before microwaving to keep the pasta tender and the cheese creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is a show-stopper that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its buttery cheeses, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a truly unforgettable meal that makes any night special. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—whether for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s sure to become one of your favorites as it has for so many who have tried it.
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole that combines ground beef and Italian sausage with a rich blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, offering layers of flavor and a satisfying texture baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook the mixture until the meat is browned and the onion becomes soft, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, add the marinara sauce, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom. Layer the cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Add the remaining spaghetti as the next layer. Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Brown and Serve: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if you prefer a different texture.
- This dish freezes well; assemble it and freeze before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
