Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

This million dollar spaghetti recipe is the definition of comfort food in casserole form and has saved supper time in our house more times than I can count when everyone is craving something truly satisfying yet quick to get in the oven. Layers of creamy cheeses with a rich beefy marinara and tender spaghetti bake up into a bubbly hearty dinner that is always a guaranteed crowd pleaser even with picky eaters.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: for a rich hearty base choose leaner beef for less grease
• Chopped onion: sweetens and fills out the sauce go for yellow or white onions with tight skins
• Salt and pepper: to balance and bring out the flavors
• Paprika and Italian seasoning: add warm savory notes use a quality blend for more depth
• Red pepper flakes: bring a tiny kick use more or less for your perfect heat level
• Minced garlic: infuses more aromatics always choose fresh if possible
• Marinara sauce: forms the main base and ties everything together choose your favorite jarred brand or homemade
• Spaghetti noodles: classic pasta for this bake choose regular or thick spaghetti for heartiness
• Butter: ensures the pasta does not stick and brings richness real unsalted butter is best
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into gooey layers always buy a block and shred it yourself if you want the best melt
• Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess select whole milk for richer texture
• Cottage cheese: helps lighten and fluff that cheese layer small curd brings the best texture
• Cream cheese: softens and binds the cheese layer together let it reach room temperature so it blends smoothly
• Parmesan cheese: brings salty nutty flavor freshly grated tastes best
• Dried parsley flakes: add fresh herbal notes check that your dried herbs are still green and fragrant

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Spaghetti:

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil then add a big pinch of salt and all the spaghetti noodles Cook until al dente checking one strand occasionally then drain thoroughly but do not rinse

Brown the Beef and Onion:

Heat a deep skillet over medium high until hot then crumble ground beef in Add the peeled and chopped onion Cook for about ten minutes stirring frequently until the onion is very tender and the beef loses all pink

Season the Meat Mixture:

Sprinkle over the salt pepper paprika Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes Stir well Let the flavors meld for about two minutes

Add Garlic and Marinara:

Drop in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about thirty seconds Pour in one full jar of marinara sauce Stir well and bring down to a gentle simmer Let this thicken while preparing the cheese layer

Mix the Cheeses:

In a medium mixing bowl combine ricotta cottage cheese softened cream cheese parmesan and parsley Use a sturdy spoon and beat until completely smooth and uniform in color

Sauce the Spaghetti:

After draining the cooked noodles pour over the second jar of marinara sauce Stir well so every strand is coated and glistening

Prep the Baking Dish:

Spray a deep nine by thirteen inch dish generously with nonstick spray Cut cold butter into pats and place across the bottom of the dish

Layer One Half of the Spaghetti:

Transfer half the sauced pasta to the baking dish spreading into an even layer

Add Cheese Mixture:

Dollop all the cheese mixture and spread it gently to cover the spaghetti edge to edge

Sprinkle First Mozzarella Layer:

Scatter one cup of shredded mozzarella across the entire cheese surface

Layer Remaining Spaghetti:

Add all the remaining pasta over the mozzarella gently pressing it to level

Spread the Meat Sauce:

Pour every bit of the beef and marinara sauce evenly over the pasta use a flexible spatula to spread

Top with More Mozzarella:

Sprinkle the final cup of shredded mozzarella cheese all over the casserole

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:

Place dish uncovered in a preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Bake for thirty five to forty minutes until the cheese on top turns a beautiful golden brown and the sauce is bubbling along the edges

Pin

I always look forward to scooping into the creamy mozzarella and ricotta middle of this bake the first bite of that layer is absolutely irresistible My kids especially love fighting over the crispy corners and everyone goes quiet once the first serving lands on their plate

Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool completely before covering tightly and storing in the refrigerator It will keep fresh for up to four days If making ahead assemble fully then cover and refrigerate unbaked for up to twenty four hours and bake as needed For freezing allow to cool cut into portions and wrap tightly in foil Place inside freezer bags and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight before reheating covered in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef for a change in flavor Greek yogurt can replace cottage cheese for a slightly tangier filling Whole wheat spaghetti works well for added fiber If you do not have ricotta simply use more cottage cheese and a dash of extra parmesan

Serving Suggestions

Pair with garlicky roasted broccoli or a bright green salad and some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce This casserole is also delicious served as leftovers tucked into lunchboxes or even layered onto toasted sandwich rolls for the next day

Pin

Cultural Context

Million dollar spaghetti is a beloved American casserole mashup that brings together two favorites classic pasta with a baked cheesy twist The creamy filling is what sets it apart from traditional spaghetti and it gained popularity as a potluck and family reunion favorite for its comfort and its ability to serve a crowd

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheeses are included in this baked spaghetti?

The dish uses a blend of ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a creamy texture and rich flavor.

→ How do I prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy?

Cook the spaghetti just until al dente before baking, as it will continue to soften in the oven with the sauce.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick serving.

→ Is there a substitute for ground beef?

You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based alternative to suit your taste.