Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, cheesy, and hearty baked pasta dish that combines tender spaghetti, a creamy cheese layer, and a flavorful meat sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this comfort food classic is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta & Cheese Layers:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion, garlic, marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over it. Add the remaining spaghetti and top with meat sauce.
- Drizzle melted butter over the dish, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispy cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American