Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Million Dollar Spaghetti: the name alone promises a culinary experience that’s both decadent and unforgettable, and trust me, it delivers! Forget everything you thought you knew about weeknight pasta dinners because this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy blanket that melts in your mouth with every bite.

While the exact origins of Million Dollar Spaghetti are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its popularity has exploded across home kitchens and potlucks alike. It’s a dish that speaks to our love of comfort food, offering a satisfying and indulgent experience without requiring hours in the kitchen. Think of it as a leveled-up version of classic baked spaghetti, transforming a simple meal into something truly special.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The combination of textures – the tender spaghetti, the hearty meat sauce, and the creamy cheese – is simply irresistible. The flavor profile is a symphony of savory, rich, and slightly tangy notes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Get ready to experience a taste of luxury with this surprisingly easy and affordable recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. First, we need to get our meat sauce going. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be translucent and fragrant.
2. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Now, it’s time to brown the meats. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Break them up with a spoon and cook until browned, making sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy spaghetti!
4. Once the meat is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. These will form the base of our rich and flavorful sauce.
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld together. I often let mine simmer for an hour or two if I have the time. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. You want it to have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well. Don’t rinse it, as we want the starch to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Preparing the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This mixture will add a creamy and cheesy layer to our spaghetti.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture:

1. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is important, as you don’t want any lumps in your cream cheese layer.
2. Add the sour cream to the cream cheese and mix until well combined. This mixture will create a tangy and creamy layer that complements the ricotta cheese layer perfectly.

Assembling the Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading it evenly over the spaghetti.
5. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ricotta cheese layer.
6. Sprinkle 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese layer.
7. Carefully spoon the remaining spaghetti over the mozzarella cheese.
8. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Make sure to distribute it evenly so that every bite is flavorful.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.

Baking the Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and ensure that the spaghetti is heated through.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the spaghetti is heated through. You want the cheese to be golden brown and irresistible.
4. Let the spaghetti stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

Million Dollar Spaghetti is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the spaghetti. And who can resist a warm slice of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce?

Tips and Variations:

• Meat Variations: Feel free to use all ground beef or all Italian sausage, or even a combination of ground beef and ground pork. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Cheese Variations: You can substitute provolone cheese for some of the mozzarella cheese for a different flavor. You can also add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese for a sharper taste.
• Vegetable Additions: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the meat.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
• Freezing Instructions: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. Assemble the spaghetti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Garlic Lovers: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the meat sauce. You can also add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the ricotta cheese mixture.
• Herb it Up: Experiment with different herbs in the meat sauce. Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme would all be delicious additions.
• Tomato Paste Tip: To prevent the tomato paste from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning, try sautéing it with the onions and garlic for a minute or two before adding the other ingredients. This will also help to bring out the flavor of the tomato paste.
• Deglaze the Pot: After browning the meat, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine or beef broth. This will help to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot and add extra flavor to the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works:

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a lot of people. The combination of the rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is simply irresistible. The recipe is also very versatile, so you can easily customize it to your liking by adding different meats, cheeses, or vegetables. And the best part is that it’s relatively easy to make, even for beginner cooks.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving
• Fat: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
• Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-70 grams per serving

Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

This Million Dollar Spaghetti isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your life! The creamy, cheesy sauce, layered with perfectly cooked spaghetti and that rich, meaty goodness, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, and it’s surprisingly simple to make, making it a weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next gathering.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat – ground turkey or even Italian sausage would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian twist, you could substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, adding a boost of nutrients and earthy flavors. And don’t be afraid to play around with the cheeses! A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan would create an even more complex and delicious cheesy layer.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
* A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the spaghetti.
* For a more substantial meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
* Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations to Explore:

* Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
* Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake: Assemble the spaghetti in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown for an even more decadent experience.
* Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: Mix all the ingredients together in a casserole dish and bake for an easy and convenient one-dish meal.
* Million Dollar Spaghetti with Ricotta: Add dollops of ricotta cheese between the layers for an extra creamy and cheesy delight.

I’m confident that this Million Dollar Spaghetti will become a family favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, family dinners, or even a cozy night in. The best part? It’s so easy to customize to your own preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your thoughts, variations, and any tips you might have. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you make it for a special occasion? Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover the joy of cooking this amazing dish. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations!