Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Are you looking for a rich, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! The Million Dollar Spaghetti is the perfect combination of pasta, creamy cheese, savory meat, and flavorful marinara sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this dish will make you feel like a million bucks. Stick with us as we walk you through everything you need to know about how to make this decadent pasta bake. Get ready to wow your guests with this mouthwatering Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe!

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta dish that combines the best elements of spaghetti, lasagna, and creamy casseroles. It’s made with layers of spaghetti, a cheesy mixture (usually cream cheese, cottage cheese, or ricotta), ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, making it the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and more special occasions. The name comes from its luxurious taste and indulgent ingredients — it truly feels like you’re eating a million-dollar meal!

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you'll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

For the Pasta:

• 16 oz (1 lb) of spaghetti
• Salt (for the pasta water)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mixture of both)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

While the basic Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is already delicious, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Meatless Option: Substitute the ground beef or sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
• Different Cheeses: If you're not a fan of cottage cheese or cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or mascarpone for a smoother, creamier texture.
• Spicy Twist: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the spaghetti for spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles to make the dish more keto-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re sensitive to gluten.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this incredible dish? Follow these easy steps to create your own Million Dollar Spaghetti masterpiece:

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Now it’s time to assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the dish. Next, add half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it out evenly. Top the spaghetti with the entire cheese mixture, spreading it in an even layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, and then pour the rest of the meat sauce over the top.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

Step 6: Bake the Million Dollar Spaghetti

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once baked, let the Million Dollar Spaghetti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Boil the Spaghetti: Start with perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti by boiling it in salted water.
2. Cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage with onions and garlic for a flavorful base.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese for a creamy middle layer.
4. Layer the Dish: Alternate between layers of pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce in your baking dish.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden for that irresistible texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Not Draining the Meat: Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef or sausage to avoid a greasy dish.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the dish rest after baking ensures that the layers set and don’t fall apart when sliced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautiful presentation makes this dish even more enticing. Here are some tips on serving Million Dollar Spaghetti:

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Use a spatula to cut and serve the spaghetti in square portions, similar to how you would serve lasagna.
• Pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
• A glass of red wine or a sparkling water with lemon makes for a perfect drink pairing.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garnish the top of the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Serve the dish in individual gratin dishes for a more elegant presentation.
• Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top right before serving for an extra cheesy finish.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then bake as directed.
• Freezing Instructions: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well! Prepare the dish as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Extra Flavor: You can add additional seasonings like red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, or fresh basil to your meat sauce for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought marinara works great, but you can also make your own if you prefer.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the meat or use a plant-based meat alternative.

4. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Yes, it freezes well. You can freeze it before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in foil and thaw before reheating or baking.

5. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, hearty flavors of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce into one indulgent dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping. With its creamy, cheesy layers and savory meat sauce, it’s no wonder this dish is a hit every time it's served. Now that you know how to make this delicious recipe, why not give it a try tonight? You’ll soon see why it’s called “Million Dollar” Spaghetti!

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