I recently discovered the most delectable recipe that deserves the title “Million Dollar Spaghetti.” Trust me when I say this dish lives up to its extravagant name. A mouthwatering combination of spaghetti noodles, succulent ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a generous helping of gooey melted cheese.

But what sets it apart is the secret ingredient – a luscious cream cheese layer hidden beneath the savory meat sauce. With every bite, you’ll be transported to pasta paradise. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and won’t break the bank. So treat yourself to the flavors of luxury without emptying your wallet with this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions for Making Million Dollar Spaghetti

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove most of the grease. Add onions and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Add all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce (reserve ½ cup for later) to the mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
3. Prepare Noodles: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, just until “al dente”. Drain, and place hot spaghetti in a large mixing bowl with butter and ½ cup reserved marinara sauce, tossing to combine.
4. Make Cheese Layer: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese in a bowl and mix well.
5. Assemble: Pour HALF of the pasta into a 9×13’’ pan. Smooth the cheese layer on top. Top with remaining noodles. Add meat sauce on top and smooth into an even layer. Top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Check around 20 minutes and if the cheese is browning too quickly, tent a piece of tinfoil over it. Wait at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving, to allow it to set up.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Quality Ingredients Matter: The taste of your Million Dollar Spaghetti hinges significantly on the quality of ingredients used. Opt for high-quality marinara sauce and fresh cheeses. If possible, choose organic ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: To avoid mushy spaghetti, cook it al dente (just firm to the bite). Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s crucial not to overcook it during the boiling stage.

Layering Technique: Be meticulous with your layering. Ensure an even distribution of each layer – pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. This balance is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in every bite.

Cheese Choices: While the recipe suggests cottage or ricotta cheese, experimenting with different types of cheese can add a unique twist to your dish. Consider blending in some mascarpone for a creamier texture or a sprinkle of gouda for a smokier flavor.

Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier.

Seasoning the Meat: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Season your meat well while cooking to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. A pinch of Italian seasoning or a dash of red pepper flakes can make a big difference.

Homemade Marinara Sauce: If you have the time, consider making your marinara sauce from scratch. Homemade sauce can elevate the dish with a fresher and more robust flavor profile.

Freezing and Reheating: This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a quick and delicious meal on busy days.

Serving Suggestions

Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing pairs wonderfully with the rich and hearty flavors of Million Dollar Spaghetti.

Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Steamed Vegetables: For a healthier side, consider steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Their crisp texture and mild flavor complement the creamy and meaty casserole.

Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the meat sauce and cheese.

Fruit Salad: End the meal with a light and refreshing fruit salad. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit can help balance the richness of the spaghetti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Ahead of Time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for the best results.

Can I Substitute the Meats? Absolutely. While ground beef and Italian sausage are traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Vegetarians can opt for plant-based meat substitutes.

Is It Freezer-Friendly? Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. Just cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta? While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.

How Do I Prevent the Cheese from Burning? If you notice the cheese browning too quickly while baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

Can I Add Vegetables to the Recipe? Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture better than microwaving.

Can I Use Jarred Marinara Sauce? Yes, using a high-quality jarred marinara sauce is a great time-saver and can still yield delicious results.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti

5 from 1 vote

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INGREDIENTS

• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove most of the grease. Add onions and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Add all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce (reserve ½ cup for later) to the mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
• Prepare Noodles: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, just until “al dente”. Drain, and place hot spaghetti in a large mixing bowl with butter and ½ cup reserved marinara sauce, tossing to combine.
• Make Cheese Layer: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese in a bowl and mix well.
• Assemble: Pour HALF of the pasta into a 9×13’’ pan. Smooth the cheese layer on top. Top with remaining noodles. Add meat sauce on top and smooth into an even layer. Top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Check around 20 minutes and if the cheese is browning too quickly, tent a piece of tinfoil over it. Wait at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving, to allow it to set up.