Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Secret Ingredient That Takes It Over the Top!
This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish that combines the best of spaghetti and lasagna. A delicious blend of seasoned meat sauce, a creamy cheese layer, and a secret ingredient—whipped garlic butter—makes this dish irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and potlucks!
Equipment
- 🔹 Large pot – for boiling spaghetti
- 🔹 Colander – for draining pasta
- 🔹 Large skillet – for cooking the meat sauce
- 🔹 Mixing bowls – for preparing the cheese layer
- 🔹 Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce
- 🔹 Whisk or hand mixer – for blending the creamy cheese mixture
- 🔹 9x13-inch baking dish – for layering and baking the spaghetti
- 🔹 Aluminum foil – for covering while baking
- 🔹 Oven mitts – for safe handling of the hot dish
- 🔹 Sharp knife & cutting board – for chopping onions and garlic
Ingredients
- For the Pasta Layer:
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp butter
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ cup whipped garlic butter secret ingredient!
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 510 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt.
- Stir in whipped garlic butter (secret ingredient!) until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti into the dish.
- Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
Tips & Variations
💡 Customize Your Million Dollar Spaghetti:
✔️ Make it spicy → Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
✔️ Make it low-carb → Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
✔️ Make it meatless → Use mushrooms or plant-based crumbles instead of meat.
✔️ Make it extra cheesy → Add more mozzarella or a three-cheese blend. 🧊 Storage & Freezing Instructions: Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake from frozen: Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, covered, then uncovered for 10 more minutes.
📌 Pin this recipe to save for later!
💡 Customize Your Million Dollar Spaghetti:
✔️ Make it spicy → Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
✔️ Make it low-carb → Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
✔️ Make it meatless → Use mushrooms or plant-based crumbles instead of meat.
✔️ Make it extra cheesy → Add more mozzarella or a three-cheese blend. 🧊 Storage & Freezing Instructions: Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake from frozen: Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, covered, then uncovered for 10 more minutes.
📌 Pin this recipe to save for later!