Million Dollar Spaghetti

Have you ever wanted to make a recipe so rich, creamy, and satisfying that it feels like hitting the jackpot? Well, welcome to the world of Million Dollar Spaghetti—a casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just treating yourself to a hearty, comfort-food classic. This dish is layered with love, cheese, and bold Italian flavors. It’s easy to prepare, and trust me, it’s going to have everyone asking for seconds!

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What Is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Think of it as a marriage between baked ziti and lasagna, with a twist of cheesy decadence. It’s made with layers of spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture, flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of melty mozzarella. This isn’t your everyday spaghetti dinner—it’s an upgrade that lives up to its name!

Let’s Break It Down: Ingredients You’ll Need

Meat Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cups spaghetti sauce

Pasta Base:

• 1 pound spaghetti noodles
• Salt for boiling water

Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions to Million Dollar Perfection

Start With the Meat Sauce

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and cook until softened. Toss in the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
• Brown the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, stir in the Italian seasoning and spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer gently while you prepare the other layers.

Cook the Pasta

• Boil the spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer

• In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in the dish.
4. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
5. Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese layer.
6. Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Bake to Golden Perfection

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers:

• Leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing:

• Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole but stop before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Make-Ahead:

• This dish can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just cover it tightly, and you’re all set to impress your guests with minimal effort!

Substitutions and Tips for Success

Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace the ground beef for a flavor twist.
• Cottage cheese works well if ricotta isn’t your thing.
• Gluten-free spaghetti can be used to make the dish gluten-free.

Tips for the Perfect Dish:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother mixture.
• For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing and serving easier.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This casserole combines all the best parts of a classic pasta dish—melty cheese, hearty sauce, and comforting flavors—into one delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers for days, Million Dollar Spaghetti will never disappoint. It’s a dish that brings people together, and honestly, isn’t that the best kind of recipe?

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen. Let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your tweaks and tips in the comments below!

Happy cooking! 🍝

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