Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Million Dollar Spaghetti: the name alone conjures images of decadent, cheesy, saucy perfection, doesn’t it? Forget counting calories tonight because this dish is all about pure, unadulterated comfort food. I’m going to let you in on a little secret: this isn’t just spaghetti; it’s an experience.

While its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, Million Dollar Spaghetti recipes have been circulating online and in community cookbooks for years, often attributed to Southern home cooks with a flair for rich, crowd-pleasing dishes. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

What makes this spaghetti so irresistible? It’s the creamy, cheesy layer that blankets the meaty sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly satisfying, relatively easy to prepare, and always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to experience spaghetti like never before!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. First, let’s get started on the heart of this dish – the meat sauce! In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be translucent and fragrant.
2. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, making sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy spaghetti!
4. Once the beef is browned, stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away!
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I often let mine simmer for an hour or more if I have the time. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself!
2. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm but not crunchy. Overcooked spaghetti is a no-no!
3. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well. Don’t rinse it, as the starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling to it.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, egg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This ricotta mixture adds a creamy, cheesy layer that’s just divine.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This is the “million dollar” part! This mixture adds richness and a luxurious texture to the dish.
3. Gradually beat in the heavy cream until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overwhip it.

Assembling the Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
5. Pour half of the meat sauce over the ricotta cheese layer.
6. Spread the remaining spaghetti over the meat sauce.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. This is where the magic happens!
8. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the cream cheese layer.
9. Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese!

Baking the Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
2. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. The top should be golden brown and irresistible.
4. Let the spaghetti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the ricotta mixture or on top. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze it: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. Assemble the spaghetti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Use Italian Sausage: Substitute ground Italian sausage for some or all of the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the finished dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or add more vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini.

Serving Suggestions:

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad and garlic bread. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich and cheesy spaghetti. And who can resist a warm slice of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce?

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Million Dollar Spaghetti, a dish so decadent and delicious, it truly lives up to its name. I know, I know, there are a million spaghetti recipes out there, but trust me on this one. This isn’t just *any* spaghetti; it’s a creamy, cheesy, meaty masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds (and thirds!). It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, and honestly, just a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine.

Why is this Million Dollar Spaghetti a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and delivers an explosion of flavor in every single bite. The combination of the rich meat sauce, the creamy cheese mixture, and the perfectly cooked spaghetti is simply divine. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every moment. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Want to take it to the next level? Consider these serving suggestions and variations:

* Garlic Bread Bliss: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into that luscious sauce.
* Salad Sensation: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the spaghetti.
* Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meat sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
* Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheeses in the cheese mixture. Try adding some provolone, mozzarella, or even a little bit of parmesan for extra flavor.
* Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option. You can also add more vegetables like eggplant or spinach.
* Individual Casseroles: For a more elegant presentation, bake the spaghetti in individual ramekins.
* Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully! Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy weeknight meals. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

I truly believe that this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to faces and create lasting memories around the dinner table. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this recipe as much as I do.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? I’m eager to hear all about your Million Dollar Spaghetti success stories. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Let’s spread the love of delicious food!

---