Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting and utterly delicious crowd-pleaser, then look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. This layered pasta dish combines perfectly cooked spaghetti, a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, and a luscious mix of cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet homey, striking just the right balance of cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness that makes every bite worth savoring. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering rich flavors, satisfying textures, and appealing colors. Ready your kitchen with these basics and get set to create magic.

• 1 lb spaghetti: Choose spaghetti cooked to al dente for the perfect pasta texture that holds up to layering.
• 1/2 lb ground beef: Adds hearty richness and savory depth to the meat sauce.
• 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage: Brings aromatic spices for authentic Italian flavor.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild peppery kick to balance the dish.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that tie the sauce together beautifully.
• 1 onion (finely chopped): Sweated down to sweetness, it adds subtle depth and texture.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): No Italian dish is complete without the wonderful aroma of garlic.
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz): Your robust tomato base that simmers with the meat for a luscious finish.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides creamy richness and helps bind the layers.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness, complementing the cheesy mixture.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Lends a light, fluffy texture that balances the meatiness.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish on top for extra flavor.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, forming the signature golden topping.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure your layers don’t stick and bake evenly. This step gives you a clean canvas for layering your delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and mild Italian sausage. Cook them until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon so it cooks evenly. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat—the savory flavor is there, but less grease leads to a more balanced dish.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to your skillet with the browned meat. Let them cook together until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This fragrant base elevates the sauce’s flavor profile wonderfully.

Step 4: Season and Simmer the Sauce

Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture, stirring well. Pour in the marinara sauce and allow everything to simmer gently on low heat while you prepare the next component. This slow melding of flavors really builds depth in your sauce.

Step 5: Mix the Cheeses

In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious combination will form a dreamy cheese layer in the middle of your dish that adds both moisture and richness.

Step 6: Layer the Spaghetti and Cheese

Begin constructing your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe in the greased baking dish by layering half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over this layer, smoothing it out to cover the pasta completely. Then add the remaining cooked spaghetti on top in an even layer.

Step 7: Add the Meat Sauce and Cheese Toppings

Pour your simmered meat sauce evenly over the top layer of spaghetti, making sure every corner gets saucy goodness. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella across the top for that iconic golden, bubbly finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This steaming helps everything meld together. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese turns beautifully bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your masterpiece cool for a few minutes to set up. This pause helps the layers stay neatly intact when you cut into it, making each serving as impressive as it is tasty.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the baked dish to add a burst of fresh color and herbaceous aroma. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also provide exciting flavor contrasts that elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

This rich Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides provide brightness and textural contrast to balance the creamy, cheesy layers of the main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the spaghetti bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming personal presentation. Layer slices of crusty bread alongside to soak up every last bit of sauce, or add a light topping of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for an added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, providing multiple meals of comfort.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble it fully, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, typically 20 to 30 minutes, keeping the dish covered to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage?

Absolutely! While beef and Italian sausage offer a classic flavor, using ground turkey or chicken will still work well and provide a lighter dish. Adjust the seasonings slightly to compensate for the milder taste.

Is it necessary to use all three cheeses in the recipe?

Each cheese adds a unique texture and flavor: cream cheese for creaminess, ricotta for fluffiness, and mozzarella for melty goodness. For best results, try to use all three, though you can adjust based on preference or what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your marinara sauce contains no gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.

What type of marinara sauce do you recommend?

A good quality, robust marinara with natural tomato flavors and herbs works best. You can use store-bought or homemade, whichever suits your schedule—just make sure it has a rich taste to stand up to the layers.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture while cooking, or stir in a bit of hot sauce to the marinara sauce. You can also sprinkle extra red pepper when serving for an added kick without overwhelming the overall taste.

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is truly a treasure in the world of baked pasta dishes. Its layers of tender spaghetti, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in perfect harmony, creating a comforting meal that feels like a special occasion every time you make it. If you want to impress family or friends with little fuss but maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-try classic that never disappoints. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

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