Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

If you're searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti. This delicious casserole is packed with layers of spaghetti, rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and buttery goodness. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Ready to elevate your spaghetti game? Keep reading to discover how to make this indulgent dish, learn some helpful tips, and get all the information you need to create the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti. Let’s dive in!

What is “Million Dollar Spaghetti”?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is an irresistible baked spaghetti casserole that combines classic spaghetti with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness, similar to lasagna but with a unique twist. The "million dollar" aspect of this dish comes from the decadent combination of ingredients—cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and a hearty meat sauce—that take the traditional spaghetti recipe to a whole new level. The end result is a rich, flavorful dish that feels indulgent, hence the “million dollar” name. This recipe is incredibly versatile, and once you learn the basic steps, you can modify it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

To make this delicious casserole, you'll need a variety of ingredients to layer flavor and texture into every bite. Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti:

For the Spaghetti Base:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade spaghetti sauce)

For the Creamy Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese, if preferred)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Buttery Crust:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Million Dollar Spaghetti is that it's highly adaptable. If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to change things up, here are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Meat Options: If you're not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat alternative.
2. Cheese Choices: While cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella are the classic choices, you can use ricotta in place of cottage cheese or add shredded cheddar for extra flavor.
3. Sauce Varieties: Use your favorite marinara sauce, or make it from scratch for a fresher taste. You could also use Alfredo sauce for a creamier, more decadent version of the dish.
4. Pasta Alternatives: You can substitute gluten-free pasta or even vegetable noodles like zucchini or spaghetti squash to suit your dietary needs.
5. Lower-Calorie Options: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese to make this dish a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. Follow these easy steps to create a Million Dollar Spaghetti dish that will impress your family and friends:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Make the Creamy Layer: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.
5. Assemble the Layers:
   • Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
   • Add all of the creamy cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
   • Place the remaining spaghetti over the cheese layer.
   • Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti and spread it out evenly.
6. Add the Buttery Crust: Dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of butter, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize, here’s a streamlined version of how to cook Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. Brown the meat and prepare the marinara sauce.
3. Mix cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream for the creamy layer.
4. Layer the spaghetti, creamy mixture, and meat sauce in a baking dish.
5. Top with butter and cheeses, then bake until golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked.
2. Using Cold Cream Cheese: Always make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Cold cream cheese will not mix well and can lead to a lumpy texture in the casserole.
3. Skipping the Resting Time: Allow the casserole to sit for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help the layers firm up and make serving easier.
4. Not Enough Seasoning: Be sure to season your meat sauce and the creamy layer adequately. A bland filling can take away from the richness of the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you present your Million Dollar Spaghetti can elevate the experience for your guests. Here are a few ideas to make your dish stand out:

1. Slice Like Lasagna: When you serve the casserole, slice it into squares or rectangles for a clean presentation, similar to how you would serve lasagna.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top of the casserole for a pop of color and added freshness.
3. Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this rich, cheesy dish.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty dish that stands well on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides to balance out the richness. Serve it with:

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce
• A glass of red wine for an elegant touch

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

For a show-stopping presentation, you can serve individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This adds a restaurant-quality touch and makes each portion feel extra special.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Yes! Substitute the ground beef with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
   • Mozzarella is the best for melting, but feel free to add cheddar, gouda, or even provolone for extra flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! Prepare it the day before and bake when needed, or freeze for later.
4. How long does it last in the fridge?
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd. With its rich layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and buttery crust, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you follow the classic recipe or put your own twist on it, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in this million-dollar treat! Enjoy!

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