
This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and indulgent dish packed with layers of creamy cheese, savory spaghetti, and a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s the kind of meal that’s guaranteed to impress anyone, whether it’s for a family dinner, holiday feast, or potluck! With a perfectly cheesy top layer and a heartwarming, saucy center, this dish truly lives up to its name.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Cheesy & Creamy – Made with cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of cheddar and Mozzarella
✔ Perfectly Layered – Like a lasagna, but with spaghetti
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – Ideal for large gatherings or meal prep
✔ Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and is baked for ultimate comfort
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Spaghetti Layer:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, for extra protein)
- 1 onion, chopped (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Cook spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, prepare the marinara sauce by heating it with ground beef or sausage (if using). Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of spaghetti on the bottom.
- Spoon a generous portion of the cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it evenly.
- Pour the meat sauce over the cheese layer and spread it out to cover the pasta.
- Top with a final layer of cheese (you can add more Mozzarella and Parmesan for extra gooeyness!).
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti
🍝 Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the veggies in this dish.
🥩 Protein Options: Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner option, or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
🧀 Extra Cheesy: Add a bit more cheese to the top before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
🥄 Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be assembled and frozen before baking for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen for an extra 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🧊 Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
❄️ Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 470
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Sugar: 7g
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