If you are searching for a show-stopping, hearty, and utterly delicious dish that brings everyone to the table, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Every Family Recipe. This baked spaghetti masterpiece combines the comforting flavors of Italian sausage, ground beef, creamy cheeses, and rich marinara sauce baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite family member—inviting, satisfying, and destined to become a beloved staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, contributing not only to the incredible flavor but also to the texture and visual appeal that makes this dish truly unforgettable. From the savory meats to the luscious cheeses, these essentials come together effortlessly to create your new family favorite.
- 1 pound spaghetti: This forms the hearty pasta base that holds all the delicious layers together.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich umami and depth with a satisfying texture.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage: Brings a burst of seasoning and juiciness for that authentic Italian-inspired taste.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the meat sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates every bite with its unmistakable savory punch.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: The vibrant tomato base that ties all flavors harmoniously.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a silky, creamy texture for the cheese layer.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds lightness and subtle tang that balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess with a touch of zestiness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to subtly enrich the cheesy filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Amplifies the flavors perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and spiciness to the mix.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible gooey, melty top layer we all crave.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory finish to each bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Ensures a golden, slightly crispy topping after baking.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Every Family Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—you want everything ready to go when the layers are assembled. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until just al dente; this prevents sogginess after baking and makes sure each forkful has the perfect bite.
Step 2: Cook the Meats and Build the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until thoroughly browned, then drain off excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Add the diced onion to the skillet and let it soften and sweeten for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its beautiful aroma. Pour in the marinara sauce next and let everything simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix these together until smooth and creamy—this cheesy layer is where the “million dollar” flavor truly shines, bringing lusciousness and a slight tang that balances the robust meat sauce.
Step 4: Assemble Your Layers
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, carefully spread all of the cheese mixture across this pasta layer. Then, top with the remaining spaghetti, distributing it evenly. Pour the rich meat sauce over the top, making sure to cover the surface well. Finally, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, and dot the top with the small pieces of butter that will help achieve a golden, irresistible crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled masterpiece uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt, the sauce will bubble, and that top layer will turn a delightful golden brown. Once done, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving—this resting time lets everything set nicely so each beautiful portion holds together.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Every Family Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the creamy richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can give an extra dimension of flavor and a pleasant mild heat to awaken your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as a Caesar or arugula salad, to add some crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making sure none of that amazing flavor goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this baked spaghetti in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes for personal portions that look elegant and festive. You can also invite everyone to customize their plates with different toppings like sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of fresh baby spinach for a veggie boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Every Family Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely and cover tightly before freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake with an extra 10 minutes to ensure it’s warmed through and bubbly again.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to retain moisture while warming. Alternatively, reheat in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes until hot and melted, adding a little extra time if reheating from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, you can swap in other long pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine. Just remember to cook them al dente to keep the perfect texture after baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based meat alternatives or simply add chopped mushrooms and extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add about 10 more minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What is the best cheese mix for this recipe?
The creamy combination of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luxurious texture and flavor contrast that makes this recipe shine as the Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Every Family Recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
For sure! Stirring in chopped spinach, finely diced bell peppers, or mushrooms into the cheese or sauce layers adds extra nutrition and freshness without compromising the comforting flavors everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Every Family Recipe. It’s a dish that promises warmth, comfort, and a celebration of flavors that your family will beg for again and again. So don’t hesitate—make this recipe your own and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite with those you love most.
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Every Family Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and comforting baked spaghetti casserole that combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with a creamy cheese mixture and marinara sauce. This indulgent family-friendly recipe offers layers of al dente pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and melted cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. A perfect dish for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it can be assembled ahead and easily reheated.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, so it doesn’t overcook later in the oven.
- Make Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and reduce heat to let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy for an evenly flavorful layer.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer all of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti and spread it evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer. Pour the simmered meat sauce over the top and spread to distribute evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the assembled layers. Dot the surface with small pieces of unsalted butter to enhance richness and help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. If baking directly from chilled, add 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
- For a vegetable boost, try mixing chopped spinach into the cheese mixture.
- Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well and makes excellent leftovers for future meals.
