Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Decadent Pasta Dish You’ll Crave

Million Dollar Spaghetti. The name alone conjures up images of rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible pasta. And trust me, this dish lives up to the hype. It’s a baked spaghetti casserole that’s so flavorful and comforting, it’s practically guaranteed to become a family favorite. This isn’t your average spaghetti; it’s an elevated experience, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. The combination of a meaty tomato sauce, a creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked spaghetti creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

But what makes this spaghetti worth a million bucks? It’s the combination of simple ingredients, expertly layered and baked to perfection. The creamy cheese mixture, typically a blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan, is the key. It adds a richness and depth of flavor that transforms ordinary spaghetti into something extraordinary. Then, the meaty tomato sauce, simmered with Italian herbs and spices, provides a savory counterpoint to the creamy cheese. Finally, the spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente, provide the perfect base for all the deliciousness. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this show-stopping dish.

## Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti

Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is so beloved:

* **It’s incredibly flavorful:** The combination of the meaty tomato sauce and creamy cheese mixture is simply divine.
* **It’s easy to make:** While it looks impressive, Million Dollar Spaghetti is surprisingly simple to put together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **It’s a crowd-pleaser:** This dish is always a hit at potlucks and parties. Everyone loves it!
* **It’s make-ahead friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it ideal for entertaining.
* **It’s customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables to the sauce, or use different cheeses in the filling.
* **It is comforting food at its best**: When you need a hearty, warming, and soul-soothing meal, this is the perfect choice.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Million Dollar Spaghetti:

**For the Spaghetti:**

* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt, for cooking water

**For the Meat Sauce:**

* 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Cheese Filling:**

* 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Optional Toppings:**

* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Fresh basil leaves

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Million Dollar Spaghetti:

**Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. This is important because the spaghetti will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the spaghetti and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce**

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy spaghetti!
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using).
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to your liking.

**Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling**

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This is where the “million dollar” magic happens!

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking and add flavor to the bottom layer.
3. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce.
4. Top with all of the cheese filling, spreading it evenly over the spaghetti. Try to get the cheese mixture into all of the nooks and crannies.
5. Cover with the remaining spaghetti.
6. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top, making sure to cover all of the spaghetti.
7. If desired, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

**Step 5: Bake the Spaghetti**

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the spaghetti moist and prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
4. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly and makes it easier to slice.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

Slice the Million Dollar Spaghetti and serve hot. It’s delicious on its own, or with a side salad and garlic bread. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

## Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti

* **Don’t overcook the spaghetti.** Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for al dente.
* **Use good quality ingredients.** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor will be. Use good quality canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and real Parmesan cheese.
* **Don’t skimp on the cheese.** The creamy cheese filling is what makes this dish so special. Use full-fat ricotta and cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
* **Simmer the sauce for as long as possible.** The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, simmer it for an hour or more.
* **Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.** This will allow it to set up slightly and make it easier to slice.
* **Customize it to your liking.** Add your favorite vegetables to the sauce, use different cheeses in the filling, or top with different toppings. The possibilities are endless!

## Variations on Million Dollar Spaghetti

Here are a few ideas for variations on this classic dish:

* **Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti:** Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use spicy Italian sausage.
* **Chicken Million Dollar Spaghetti:** Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
* **Million Dollar Spaghetti with Spinach:** Add a cup of chopped fresh spinach to the cheese filling.
* **Million Dollar Spaghetti with Mushrooms:** Add sauteed mushrooms to the sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

## Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for what to serve with it:

* **Garlic bread:** A classic pairing!
* **Side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Steamed vegetables:** Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
* **Caesar salad:** Another classic salad option.
* **Caprese salad:** A refreshing salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
* **Bruschetta:** Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic.

## Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Let’s recap the complete recipe, making it easy to follow:

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt, for cooking water
* 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
* Fresh basil leaves (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off excess grease. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Spread half of the spaghetti over the sauce.
8. Top with the cheese filling, spreading evenly.
9. Cover with the remaining spaghetti.
10. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top.
11. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese (if desired).
12. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired) and serve.

Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

## More Pasta Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe, here are a few other pasta dishes you might enjoy:

* **Baked Ziti:** A classic Italian-American casserole with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce.
* **Lasagna:** Another classic Italian-American casserole with layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Spaghetti Carbonara:** A simple and delicious pasta dish with eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.
* **Cacio e Pepe:** A Roman pasta dish with just three ingredients: pasta, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
* **Pesto Pasta:** Pasta tossed with a vibrant green pesto sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

## Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Spaghetti is more than just a pasta dish; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, creates memories, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen. Your family and friends will thank you for it! Happy cooking!