A few months ago, I discovered this fantastic recipe, Million Dollar Spaghetti, when looking for a quick and delicious meal to share with my family. It quickly became a favorite! The cheesy layers and rich flavors make it perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
This dish is so appealing because it’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for get-togethers, cozy family nights, or even a special occasion. You won’t regret making this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
- Loaded with cheesy goodness that everyone will enjoy.
- Great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later.
- Beautifully layered, making it visually appealing and hearty.
A comforting, cheesy pasta dish that brings everyone together around the table.
How to make Million Dollar Spaghetti
Making this dish is a simple joy! With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Star Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package spaghetti: The foundation of this dish, providing a delicious and filling base.
- 1 pound lean ground beef or sausage combination: Adds rich flavor and protein to the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper: Enhances the overall taste without overpowering the dish.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors in every ingredient.
- 1 16 ounce jar spaghetti sauce: A shortcut to add flavor and moisture, making it super easy!
- 1/2 stick butter cut into small chunks: Adds richness to the spaghetti and helps with mixing.
- 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese: Provides creaminess and depth to the layered mixture.
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened: Makes the dish creamy and delicious.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds an extra creamy touch to the mix.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, contributing healthy fats.
- 1/2 onion diced: Adds sweetness and texture when cooked.
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic minced: Enhances flavor with its fragrant richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor!
- 1 8 oz Package of Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that cheesy finish.
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor as a topping.
- 1 8 oz package shredded Cheddar cheese: Provides extra creaminess and flavor in each bite.
Simple Assembly
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until ‘al dente’.
- Place the chunks of butter in drained spaghetti and mix until coated, then set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add diced onions, pepper, garlic, and olive oil. Cook until onions are slightly tender. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the jar of pasta sauce and parsley to the skillet. Mix well and reduce the heat to simmer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well blended.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the cream mixture and toss until well coated.
- In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, pour the creamy spaghetti mixture and top with 3/4 of the pasta sauce. Toss well.
- Add half the shredded Cheddar and half the Mozzarella to the mixture and toss again.
- Pour the remaining pasta sauce evenly over the top.
- Top with the remaining cheeses evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Enjoy!
You Must Know
This recipe is quite forgiving, but if you want the perfect consistency, pay attention to your cooking times. The goal is creamy without being too wet. Customize the cheese and sauce to your liking! It’s all about personal preference.
How to serve Million Dollar Spaghetti
Serve this dish hot from the oven for the best experience. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to store Million Dollar Spaghetti
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. This dish tastes even better the next day!
Tips to make Million Dollar Spaghetti
To make this dish even quicker, you can use pre-cooked ground meat or a jar of your favorite sauce. Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
Variation
You can easily switch up the proteins by using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use a mix of mushrooms and lentils instead of meat. Switch the cheeses, too, for a different taste!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to bake it when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way is to place the spaghetti in an oven at 350F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic and then foil. You can store it for up to three months for best results.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, consider using spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. Jalapeños or diced green chilies can also give it that extra heat!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
You have to try this Million Dollar Spaghetti! It’s so cheesy and delicious, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Great for weekends or anytime you want comfort food!
Ingredients
1 16 ounce package spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef or sausage combination
1 tablespoon of black pepper
salt to taste
1 16 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 stick butter cut into small chunks
1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
1 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion diced
3 cloves of fresh garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley
1 8 oz package of Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 8 oz package shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until ‘al dente’.
3. Place the chunks of butter in the drained spaghetti and mix until coated, then set aside.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced onions, pepper, garlic and olive oil. Cook until onions are slightly tender. Then add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
5. Add the jar of pasta sauce and fresh parsley to the skillet, mixing well. Reduce to low heat to simmer.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well blended.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the large bowl with the creamy mixture and toss until well coated.
8. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, pour the creamy spaghetti mixture and top with 3/4 of the pasta sauce. Toss well.
9. Add half of the shredded Cheddar and half of the Mozzarella cheese to the creamy spaghetti mixture and toss again.
10. Pour the remaining pasta sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
11. Top with the remaining cheeses evenly.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
13. Enjoy!
Notes
Meat Variations: You can use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken.
Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative. It adds a creamy texture while keeping the dish authentic.
Make-Ahead Tip: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Crispy Cheese Topping: For a golden-brown crust, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will give the cheese a crispy, bubbly texture for extra appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of the casserole)
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Sugar: ~7g
- Sodium: ~850mg
- Fat: ~32g
- Saturated Fat: ~16g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~28g
- Cholesterol: ~85mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, baked spaghetti casserole, cheesy pasta bake, creamy spaghetti, ground beef pasta, Italian-American dinner, easy family meal, comfort food, make-ahead casserole, cheesy baked pasta.