Irresistible Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe You’ll Love

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by Emma Taylor

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The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce fills the air, mingling with the comforting scent of baked spaghetti that makes your heart skip a beat. Kielbasa and cabbage stir fry Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that wraps you in warmth, like a cozy hug from grandma.

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This mouthwatering recipe brings together layers of rich flavors and gooey cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel like you’ve struck gold, and trust me, everyone will want to snag your secret to this million-dollar delight. Sausage hash brown casserole Thai red curry sausage rice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Million Dollar Spaghetti is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for any weeknight dinner
  • The rich and savory flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters
  • Its cheesy, layered goodness makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any table
  • Versatile enough to serve as a hearty meal or a potluck favorite, it never disappoints!

I remember the first time I made Million Dollar Spaghetti for my family. Their faces lit up as they dove into their plates, and I could hear murmurs of “This is amazing!” echoing around the dinner table. Mediterranean couscous bowls.

 Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta; I prefer regular spaghetti for its classic appeal.
  • Ground Beef: Lean beef works best here; it keeps the dish light without sacrificing flavor.
  • Marinara Sauce: A good-quality store-bought sauce can save time and elevate your meal’s taste.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess that balances the acidity of the sauce perfectly.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Choose whole-milk mozzarella for an indulgent melt that stretches beautifully.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances overall flavor; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
  • Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds an aromatic kick that pairs perfectly with the meat sauce. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that help bring all flavors together harmoniously.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Sauce & Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes while you prepare the next steps.

Create Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Layer It Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti followed by half of the meat mixture. Spread cheese mixture over this layer before topping with remaining spaghetti and meat.

Bake & Serve!: Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before placing in preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Prepare yourself for an irresistible feast that will have everyone clamoring for seconds!

You Must Know

  • This delightful Million Dollar Spaghetti is cheesy, rich, and bursting with flavor
  • The combination of creamy sauces and hearty pasta creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
  • Don’t forget to pair it with garlic bread; your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfection, cook the pasta al dente while simultaneously preparing the sauce. Layer them carefully and finish baking for a bubbly masterpiece.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses for added richness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For optimum flavor, let your sauce simmer longer to deepen its taste
  • If using fresh herbs, add them at the end for vibrant flavor
  • Avoid overcooking the pasta; it will continue cooking while baking!

There was a time when I made this dish for a family reunion, and I swear my cousin tried to propose marriage to it. It’s that good!

FAQ

Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake just before serving.

What’s the best cheese for Million Dollar Spaghetti?

A mix of mozzarella and ricotta gives the best creamy texture and flavor.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti


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  • Author: Emma Taylor
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Indulge in the delightful layers of Million Dollar Spaghetti, a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and gooey cheese for the ultimate family favorite. This easy-to-make recipe features spaghetti, ground beef, and a creamy cheese blend baked to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering, this dish guarantees smiles around the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning and garlic powder; simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat mixture, then spread the cheese mixture on top before layering remaining spaghetti and meat.
  6. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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