Million Dollar Spaghetti

There are certain dishes that become family staples, and Million Dollar Spaghetti is one of those recipes that has earned its spot in kitchens everywhere. With its creamy, cheesy layers and savory marinara sauce, this dish is the definition of comfort food at its finest. Combining the rich, indulgent flavors of baked spaghetti, cheese, and ground beef, Million Dollar Spaghetti is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table and leave them asking for seconds.

Named for its luxurious, indulgent flavor, Million Dollar Spaghetti brings together all the ingredients we love about spaghetti with a twist. This casserole-style dish features layers of spaghetti pasta, a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, savory marinara sauce, and a generous helping of melted mozzarella and parmesan. If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes like a million bucks, then this dish is just for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Perfect for Feeding a Crowd – Whether you’re hosting a party, family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is ideal for large groups.
✔ Cheesy, Creamy Goodness – The combination of cheese and creamy ricotta creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
✔ Make Ahead – You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it later, making it great for busy nights.
✔ Hearty & Filling – Packed with ground beef, pasta, and cheese, this dish is both satisfying and comforting.
✔ Kid-Friendly – The cheesy, familiar flavors of spaghetti make it a favorite with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Spaghetti:

450g (1 lb) spaghetti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt, for pasta water

For the Meat Sauce:

450g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey)
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Mixture:

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembling:

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce, and stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until well combined and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
Layer the dish with half of the cooked spaghetti.
Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, and then top with half of the meat sauce.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~500 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti

✅ Make Ahead – This dish is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

✅ Use Different Meats – Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or different flavor.

✅ Boost the Flavor – Add some Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce for an extra kick.

✅ Add Veggies – Add some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce to sneak in some veggies. You can sauté the veggies along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor.

✅ Make it Extra Cheesy – If you love cheese, feel free to add extra layers of mozzarella or parmesan throughout the casserole for even more cheesy goodness.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti

🥗 Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the spaghetti.
🍞 Garlic Bread – A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Roasted broccoli or garlic butter green beans are great veggie sides that complement the richness of the pasta.

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a must-try dish that brings together the perfect combination of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce to create an incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a large crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving some comforting Italian-inspired food, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its creamy layers, tender pasta, and rich flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is called “million dollar” – it’s truly worth its weight in gold.