Classic Million-Dollar Spaghetti Recipe with Layers of Meaty Cheese

My curiosity about this million-dollar spaghetti recipe sparked when a friend shared her secret family classic during our recent potluck.

Whispers around the table suggested something extraordinary awaited our taste buds.

Layers of cheesy goodness and rich sauce promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Comfort meets culinary magic in this straightforward yet decadent dish.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a masterpiece that feels luxurious without complex techniques.

Simple steps promise restaurant-quality results that seem way more impressive than their actual effort.

We guarantee this recipe will become your new go-to dinner sensation that impresses everyone at the table.

Million-Dollar Spaghetti That’s Rich and Satisfying

• Transforms classic spaghetti into a decadent, cheesy casserole that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
• Requires only 45 minutes total, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is limited and hunger is high.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping meats, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.
• One-dish wonder that impresses guests without complicated techniques, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual weekend meals.

Ingredients That Go Into Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Hearty pasta that forms the foundation of the casserole, best when cooked al dente.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that adds moisture and flavor to the casserole layers.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Protein-packed meats that provide robust flavor and texture, choose lean varieties for less grease.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian taste, use high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the meat sauce's depth, fresh ingredients recommended for best flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth base layer, ensure ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melting cheeses that provide a golden, crispy top layer, freshly grated cheeses melt better than pre-shredded.

• Salt: Seasoning that enhances overall dish flavor.
• Black Pepper: Optional spice to add subtle heat to the meat sauce.

Cook Million-Dollar Spaghetti with Confidence

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set the pasta aside, ready for its cheesy destiny.

Step 2: Create Robust Meat Sauce

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables soften and become fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce, keeping a small portion aside for later. Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Blend until smooth and velvety, creating a luxurious layer that will make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Craft The Casserole Masterpiece

• Lay down half the butter slices
• Spread first layer of spaghetti noodles
• Distribute entire cheese mixture evenly
• Add remaining noodles
• Top with remaining butter slices
• Pour meat sauce over entire dish
• Drizzle reserved marinara
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously

Step 5: Bake To Bubbly Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes until it’s bubbling with excitement and the cheese turns golden. If cheese browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to slice into beautiful, cheesy portions. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy.

Smart Tips for Million-Dollar Spaghetti Success

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Perfectly cook spaghetti al dente by salting water generously and tasting noodles 1-2 minutes before package instructions for ideal firmness.
• Create Seamless Cheese Blend: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free incorporation with sour cream and cottage cheese.
• Prevent Greasy Casserole: Thoroughly drain ground meat after browning to reduce excess fat and keep the dish from becoming overly oily.
• Control Cheese Browning: Watch mozzarella closely during baking, covering with foil if it browns too quickly to maintain a golden, not burnt, cheese topping.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to meat sauce for a more complex, restaurant-quality taste profile.

Save and Reheat Million-Dollar Spaghetti Like a Pro

• Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to restore moisture.
• Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What to Serve with Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the rich, creamy cheese layers and complements the robust meat sauce.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the heavy casserole, cutting through its richness.
• Select garlic bread or herb-infused focaccia as a perfect side to soak up extra sauce and add complementary herbal notes to the dish's hearty profile.
• Serve chilled Italian sparkling water or a light beer like Peroni to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds against the rich, meaty spaghetti casserole.

Twist Up Your Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta noodles, ensuring those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities can enjoy this hearty meal.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Swap spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash, creating a vegetable-based alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavors.
• Vegetarian Veggie Feast: Substitute ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or a mix of lentils and mushrooms, offering a protein-packed meatless version that delivers robust taste.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Edition: Incorporate feta cheese into the cheese mixture, add kalamata olives to the meat sauce, and sprinkle fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired transformation of the classic recipe.

FAQ Breakdown for Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Is Million-Dollar Spaghetti different from regular spaghetti?

Yes, this recipe transforms traditional spaghetti into a hearty casserole with layers of cheese, meat sauce, and multiple cheese types, making it richer and more complex than standard spaghetti.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses ground beef and sausage, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your preference or dietary needs.

• How do I prevent the cheese from burning during baking?

Keep an eye on the casserole while baking. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the dish to continue heating through.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, Million-Dollar Spaghetti reheats well and can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it before baking, making it convenient for busy weeknights or preparing ahead of time.

Million-Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory layers of million-dollar spaghetti promise comfort and indulgence in one hearty casserole. Creamy cheese and rich meat sauce merge into a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies deep hunger and delights dinner companions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) spaghetti noodles
• ½ pound (226 grams) ground beef
• ½ pound (226 grams) Italian sausage
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce

Cheese Components:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• ¼ cup sour cream

Complementary Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of generously salted water and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, ensuring a slight resistance when bitten. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside.
2. In a robust skillet, brown ground beef and sausage completely, eliminating excess fat. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent. Blend in marinara sauce, reserving a portion for later garnishing. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
3. Create a luxurious cheese blend by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until uniformly smooth and creamy.
4. Warm the oven to 350F. Strategically layer butter slices across the bottom of a prepared baking dish. Distribute half the cooked spaghetti as the initial foundation. Generously spread the velvety cheese mixture across the pasta layer. Top with remaining noodles and additional butter slices.
5. Cascade the robust meat sauce evenly over the constructed layers. Drizzle reserved marinara for enhanced moisture and flavor. Liberally sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking uncovered approximately 30-40 minutes until bubbling and golden. If cheese browns too rapidly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
7. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10-15 minutes before serving, ensuring clean and structured portions when plated.

Notes

• Elevate pasta texture by cooking spaghetti just until al dente, ensuring a perfect firm bite without becoming mushy.
• Control meat sauce’s richness by using lean ground beef or mixing with turkey for a lighter version.
• Create a smoother cheese layer by letting cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing with other cheeses.
• Prevent soggy bottom by patting noodles dry and using butter slices to create a crispy, golden base.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg