MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI, EASY!

I’ll never forget the church potlucks of my childhood. Every single time, without fail, there would be at least three casseroles vying for the title of “best dish.” But there was one that always disappeared first, a creamy, cheesy, meaty delight that everyone called “Million Dollar Spaghetti.” I was always too shy to ask for the recipe back then. Now, I’m so glad I finally tracked it down, because making Million Dollar Spaghetti- So Easy! at home is even more satisfying than remembering those potlucks. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Million Dollar Spaghetti- So Easy! you’ll ever make!

The Easiest, Most Decadent Spaghetti You’ll Ever Make

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: sometimes, we just need comfort food. And sometimes, we need it fast. That’s where this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe shines. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but in reality, it comes together in a snap. It’s truly the perfect weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to customize to your own preferences. Trust me, this will become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Why It’s Called “Million Dollar” Spaghetti

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: why is it called “Million Dollar” Spaghetti? Well, there are a few theories. Some say it’s because it tastes so incredibly rich and decadent, like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. Others believe it’s because it’s so popular, it’s practically worth a million dollars in smiles and satisfaction. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: this spaghetti is pure gold!

Gather Your Ingredients – Keep it Simple!

Let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound spaghetti: Feel free to use your favorite brand. I personally love using a thicker spaghetti for this recipe because it holds up well to the rich sauce.
• 1 pound ground beef: You can also use ground sausage or a combination of both.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything tastes better with garlic!
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand. You can even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: This is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce so creamy and decadent. Make sure you drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before adding it to the sauce.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Because cheese is always a good idea!
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts beautifully and creates a gooey, cheesy topping.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick.

Ingredient Substitutions: Make it Your Own!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients! Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Meat: As mentioned earlier, you can use ground sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Cheese: If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese (softened). For the mozzarella, you can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Sauce: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different type of sauce, such as a vodka sauce or a pesto sauce.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, now for the fun part: putting it all together! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making Million Dollar Spaghetti that will have you saying, “WOW! This IS easy!”

1. Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta; you want it to be slightly al dente.
2. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Trust me, you don’t want a greasy spaghetti!
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
4. Add the sauce and seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This is what gives the dish its signature richness.
6. Combine everything: Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to coat. Then, gently fold in the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain some of the texture of the cheese.
7. Assemble the casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
9. Let it rest: Let the spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti is a resounding success:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: As mentioned earlier, you want the spaghetti to be slightly al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
• Drain the ricotta cheese: Excess liquid in the ricotta cheese can make the sauce watery.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your spaghetti will taste.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

Million Dollar Spaghetti is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a few complementary side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Garlic bread: A classic pairing! You can make your own garlic bread or buy it pre-made.
• Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the spaghetti. Consider trying this California Spaghetti Salad Recipe for a fun twist.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all great options.
• Dessert: A simple dessert like fruit salad or brownies is the perfect way to end the meal.

Spice it Up: Add a Little Heat!

Want to add a little kick to your Million Dollar Spaghetti? Here are a few ways to spice things up:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce.
• Add some chopped jalapeños to the sauce. I love the idea of pairing this with the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni for a total spice-filled night.

Make it a Potluck Winner!

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate potluck dish. It’s easy to transport, it feeds a crowd, and everyone loves it! Here are a few tips for making it a potluck winner:

• Use a disposable aluminum baking dish: This makes cleanup a breeze.
• Keep it warm in a slow cooker: If you’re traveling a long distance, keep the spaghetti warm in a slow cooker set on low.
• Bring extra toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil.

And if you are looking for other potluck style recipes, a great addition would be a Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. It’s a real crowd pleaser!

Variations: Reimagine Your Spaghetti!

Once you’ve mastered the basic Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
• Seafood: Add cooked shrimp or scallops to the sauce.
• Mexican: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning and top with shredded cheddar cheese and salsa.

It’s also great to pair this dish with other pasta salads. Have you ever tried this amazing CAPRESE PASTA SALAD BLISS? It’s to die for!

Storage and Reheating: Make it Last!

Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the spaghetti for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Speaking of other recipe ideas, if you like chicken and pasta, have you seen our recipe for HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA? It’s a must try!

Final Thoughts: Your Million Dollar Moment

So, there you have it: the easiest, most delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe you’ll ever make! I truly hope you try it and love it as much as my family and I do. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a potluck with friends. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to make it your own. Happy cooking, my friends!

Million Dollar Spaghetti, Easy!

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and meaty casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this comfort food classic will become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Water for boiling pasta

Equipment

• large pot
• colander
• large skillet
• spatula
• Large bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to coat. Then, gently fold in the cheese mixture.
8. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. To prevent a watery sauce, drain the ricotta cheese well before adding it to the cheese mixture. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from refrigerated, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.