If you are looking for a comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish, the Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta for Family Dinner Recipe is the one to turn to time and time again. This baked pasta masterpiece blends hearty ground beef and Italian sausage with a luscious trio of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream, all wrapped in tender spaghetti strands and topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Every bite bursts with rich, creamy textures and bold Italian flavors, making it the perfect dish to bring family and friends around the table with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory meats to the creamy cheeses and fresh seasonings, you’ll find this list is straightforward yet essential to achieve that signature richness.
- 1 pound spaghetti: Cooked al dente to hold up beautifully under the creamy sauce and baking process.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and satisfies those meat lovers.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Brings a fragrant, spicy kick that elevates the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Sweetness and aroma that soften as they cook into the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds warm, fragrant notes that infuse the entire dish.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The tomato base that melds everything together with tang and richness.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Provides luscious creaminess that coats every pasta strand.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Light and fluffy texture balancing the dense cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and smooth texture to the cheese mixture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into golden, bubbly goodness on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers salty, nutty flavor to enhance the cheesy crust.
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced: Dotting the layers for richness and helping keep everything luscious.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbal notes for that unmistakable Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and amplifying flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, bright garnish that enhances presentation and flavor.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta for Family Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they brown evenly and develop a rich, meaty flavor. Once browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to soften and release their sweet, savory essence. This foundation builds the heart and soul of your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Then pour in the marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and thicken slightly. This step ensures a robust, well-seasoned tomato sauce that will embrace the pasta perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream until smooth and velvety. This luscious blend adds decadence and moisture to the bake, making every forkful irresistibly creamy and comforting.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Begin by layering half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Dot half of the sliced butter over this layer, then spread the cheese mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining spaghetti and butter, followed by pouring the savory meat sauce all over the pasta. This layering ensures every bite is balanced, cheesy, and full of meaty goodness.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make it easier to serve.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta for Family Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor to the dish. You can also add some red pepper flakes if you love a little heat to contrast the creaminess.
Side Dishes
The rich, hearty nature of Million Dollar Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a buttery baguette rounds out the meal perfectly, giving you something to scoop up every luscious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this baked pasta in individual ramekins for a charming, elegant presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed toasted pine nuts for added texture and gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and rich flavor for multiple meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers before baking or after it has cooled from baking. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this family favorite anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and retain moisture. The cheesy baked pasta reheats wonderfully without losing any of its creamy richness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage and use your favorite meatless marinara sauce. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or lentils for extra heartiness.
Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti in advance?
Definitely. Assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
What’s a good substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works well as a lighter alternative. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan ricotta made from tofu or nuts, although the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
How do I make the dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or choose a spicy Italian sausage. A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can also kick up the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta for Family Dinner Recipe is truly a treasure for any home cook who loves hearty, comforting meals. It brings warmth, joy, and incredible flavor to your table, making it a surefire hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Once you try it, this dish will undoubtedly become one of your all-time favorites to make over and over again!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta for Family Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta casserole that combines spaghetti with savory ground beef and Italian sausage, layered with a luscious blend of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner and guaranteed to please every palate with its irresistible cheesy goodness and hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Cheeses
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat into crumbles.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned meat and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Mix Cheese Blend: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish, dot with half of the sliced butter, and then spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top.
- Add Remaining Layers: Add the remaining spaghetti over the cheese layer, dot the top with the remaining butter slices, and pour the meat sauce evenly over everything.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for an added touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta cheese to make a lighter version of the dish.
- This casserole freezes well and makes excellent leftovers for an easy future meal.
- For an extra kick of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce to suit your spice preference.
