Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

If you're searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines the creamy richness of cheese, the robust flavor of meat sauce, and the satisfying texture of pasta, then you're in for a treat. The Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a perfect blend of hearty ingredients that come together to create a dish that feels like pure indulgence. Stick around as we dive deep into every aspect of this sensational recipe, from ingredients to variations, cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You’ll be a Million Dollar Spaghetti pro by the end of this article!

this Recipe

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What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the perfect marriage between lasagna and spaghetti, giving you the best of both worlds. This dish features layers of al dente pasta, seasoned meat sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping that makes it absolutely irresistible. This dish has earned its "million dollar" name thanks to its rich flavor and decadent texture, making it feel like a luxurious meal without requiring a fortune to prepare. Ready to learn how to make it? Let’s go!

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Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Before we jump into the process of making this dish, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to recreate this mouthwatering masterpiece. The following list is designed for a standard casserole dish that serves 8-10 people:

• 16 oz. spaghetti – Cooked al dente
• 1 lb. ground beef – You can substitute with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
• 1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce – Choose your favorite, or make your own from scratch.
• 8 oz. cream cheese – Softened to room temperature.
• 1 cup cottage cheese – For creaminess, you can also substitute with ricotta if preferred.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds a tangy richness.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Divided, for both layering and topping.
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness to the topping.
• 2 tablespoon butter – For greasing the baking dish and adding flavor to the pasta.
• 1 onion (optional) – Diced for extra flavor in the meat sauce.
• 2-3 cloves garlic (optional) – Minced, for that fragrant garlic flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• Italian seasoning (optional) – For seasoning the sauce and adding a burst of herbaceous flavor.

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Substitutions and Variations

Million Dollar Spaghetti is incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Ground turkey or sausage: If you're not a fan of ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey or Italian sausage. Each adds its unique flavor profile to the dish.
• Gluten-free pasta: Simply swap out regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free variety.
• Low-fat cream cheese or sour cream: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat or fat-free versions of the dairy ingredients.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat altogether and load the sauce with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
• Add spice: If you love a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce for extra warmth.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to put everything together? Follow these simple steps to create your Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces. If you are using onions and garlic, add them at this stage and sauté until softened.
4. Add the marinara sauce: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
5. Prepare the creamy cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the layers: Begin by spreading a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti as the first layer. Next, spread the entire creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Then, add the remaining spaghetti on top. Finally, pour the rest of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese over the assembled layers.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
9. Rest before serving: Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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

1. Start with the basics: Boil the spaghetti and cook the ground beef.
2. Prepare the sauce: Brown your beef (or alternative protein) and combine it with marinara sauce.
3. Make the creamy cheese layer: Blend your cheeses for that creamy middle layer.
4. Layer it up: Begin layering the pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
5. Top it off: Cover it all with more cheese for that irresistible golden topping.
6. Bake to perfection: Cook the dish until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
7. Cool and serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple dish like Million Dollar Spaghetti can have a few pitfalls. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so make sure it's cooked just to al dente.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the baked spaghetti sit for a few minutes before slicing ensures that it holds its shape better and doesn’t fall apart.
• Not seasoning enough: The layers, especially the cheese mixture, need enough salt and seasoning to bring out the flavors.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present Million Dollar Spaghetti can elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas:

• Individual servings: Cut the spaghetti into neat squares, just like lasagna, and serve on a plate with a garnish of fresh basil or parsley.
• Family-style: Bring the entire baking dish to the table and serve directly from the dish for a cozy, homey presentation.
• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and some freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.

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How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty, complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with side dishes like:

• Garlic bread: The buttery, garlicky bread makes for an excellent accompaniment.
• Salad: A light Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad helps balance the richness of the spaghetti.
• Roasted vegetables: Add some healthy roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus to round out the meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

For a more formal presentation, consider these creative ideas:

• Layered casserole serving: Once baked, cut the dish into perfect layers like a lasagna slice to showcase the multiple layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce.
• Mini individual portions: Bake the Million Dollar Spaghetti in smaller ramekins for individual portions, perfect for dinner parties or meal prepping.
• Garnish with herbs: A simple garnish of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.

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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Double the recipe: This recipe is perfect for meal prep or large gatherings. Double the ingredients and use two pans for more servings.
• Freeze for later: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes beautifully. Simply assemble, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Add veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the meat sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti? Absolutely. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

3. What should I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti? Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! Feel free to swap out the cheeses. Ricotta can be used instead of cottage cheese, and you can add other favorites like provolone or cheddar.

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Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a comfort food experience that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will never disappoint. With its rich, creamy layers, savory sauce, and cheesy topping, it’s no wonder why it’s called “million dollar.” So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with this crowd-pleasing meal!

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