There’s something magical about a recipe that brings everyone to the table, eyes lighting up with anticipation. Million Dollar Spaghetti isn’t just a meal – it’s a family tradition born from those perfect Sunday dinners where comfort meets culinary creativity. I first tasted this incredible dish at my aunt’s farmhouse, where the kitchen always smelled of bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce. One bite, and I knew this wasn’t just another pasta recipe – this was something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly creamy and decadent
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Make-ahead friendly
- Combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti
- Freezer-friendly
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- Comfort food at its absolute finest
Recipe Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 people
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Be careful not to overcook – the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. - Brown the Meats
In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage together. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. - Cheese Mixture Prep
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. - Layer the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Layer half the cooked spaghetti
- Spread the entire cheese mixture over the pasta
- Add remaining spaghetti
- Pour meat sauce over the top
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything
- Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Expert Tips
- Cheese Is Key: Use high-quality, fresh cheeses for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Meat Matters: A combination of ground beef and Italian sausage provides deeper, more complex flavor than using just one type of meat.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Alternatives:
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option
- Try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version
- Mix in ground chicken
- Cheese Swaps:
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta
- Try provolone with mozzarella
- Go dairy-free with vegan cheese alternatives
- Sauce Variations:
- Use homemade marinara
- Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce
- Add roasted vegetables to the sauce
Troubleshooting Guide
- Dry Casserole: Ensure you’re not overcooking the pasta initially
- Watery Dish: Drain meat thoroughly and use a thicker marinara sauce
- Cheese Not Melting: Ensure oven is fully preheated
- Edges Burning: Cover with foil if browning too quickly
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheating:
- Oven: Cover with foil, heat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
- Microwave: Heat in individual portions, adding a splash of water
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A: The cheese should be melted and bubbly, with slight golden brown edges.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Most kids love this cheesy, saucy pasta dish!
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti isn’t just a recipe – it’s a culinary hug that brings families together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to be the star of the table.
Bon appétit!