Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the best flavors of pasta, meat, and cheese. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. With its rich flavor and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Million Dollar Spaghetti because it is easy to prepare and is packed with flavor. This dish uses simple ingredients that come together to create a meal everyone will love. Plus, it can feed a large group, making it ideal for celebrations or cozy nights with friends and family.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles cooked until al dente
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup sliced salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
- ¼ cup diced onion (about half a small onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups jarred marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13 x 2 or 3-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large pot, cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, add olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Brown the meat while breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the 4 cups of marinara sauce and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth.
- To assemble, spread a layer of the meat mixture at the bottom of the baking dish. Then, add the cooked spaghetti on top. Next, pour the cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Finally, add the remaining meat mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the last cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over everything.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti
Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti hot from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra touch.
How to Store Million Dollar Spaghetti
To store leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti, let it cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
- For added flavor, try using homemade marinara sauce.
- You can substitute the ground meat with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version of Million Dollar Spaghetti by using plant-based meat substitutes and adding extra vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti a day in advance. Just assemble it and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or any cheese you enjoy.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. You may also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
Pasta and Marinara
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles cooked until al dente
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 cups jarred marinara sauce or homemade
Meat Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
- ¼ cup diced onion (about half a small onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13 x 2 or 3-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large pot, cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, add olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Brown the meat while breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the 4 cups of marinara sauce and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth.
- To assemble, spread a layer of the meat mixture at the bottom of the baking dish. Then, add the cooked spaghetti on top. Next, pour the cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Finally, add the remaining meat mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the last cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over everything.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
