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If you have a special occasion, a hungry crowd, or simply a craving for something creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s a decadent, layered casserole that combines perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich blend of cheeses, bold Italian sausage and beef, and a vibrant tomato sauce—all baked to bubbly, melty perfection. This dish isn’t just dinner; it’s a heartwarming celebration of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe plays a starring role. They’re simple but essential, working together to create a dish bursting with layers of flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible color that looks just as good as it tastes.
- 1 pound dry spaghetti: The perfect foundation that holds the sauce and cheese beautifully without getting mushy.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and keeps the pasta luxuriously moist after boiling.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Brings a creamy, mellow texture that balances the boldness of the meat sauce.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: Creates a smooth, velvety layer that melts into the pasta for extra indulgence.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Intensifies flavor with its nutty, savory notes and helps bind the cheese mixture.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty fullness and a juicy, meaty base to the sauce.
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage: Infuses the dish with spicy, aromatic flair and depth.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation to the sauce when browned.
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that ties all flavors together seamlessly.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Offers a pop of color and subtle sweetness that brightens the sauce.
- 32 ounces marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes: The vibrant, luscious tomato base that makes the dish sing.
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Adds an intense, slightly tangy sweetness to elevate the sauce complexity.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic stretchy, melty topping that everyone loves.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Adds a sharper, smoky note that contrasts the mozzarella perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Brings a spicy, meaty crunch and a pop of vibrant color on top.
- Fresh basil, for serving: A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Meat Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s ready to gently meld all those delicious layers later. While waiting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the dry spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it in room temperature salted butter; this not only adds flavor but also helps keep the noodles from sticking together when layering.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Vegetables
Place a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium heat, then add the ground spicy Italian sausage, ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper, sprinkling the Italian seasoning over everything. Let the mixture brown for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat and gather all those savory bits from the pan. This step builds the backbone of the sauce’s deep, irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Once the meat is well browned, stir in the marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes along with 1 cup of water to loosen it up. Season with a little salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes to add subtle heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and some fresh basil for a vibrant burst of herbaceous flavor. Set this rich, aromatic sauce aside as you prepare the cheese layer.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, whole milk ricotta, and grated parmesan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. The mixture should be creamy and smooth, creating a luscious contrast to the robust meat sauce and al dente spaghetti.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grab a large casserole dish and start assembling the magic: begin with a layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle in the cooked spaghetti followed by the creamy cheese mixture, and top with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle on shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses, layering them evenly, then scatter the pepperoni slices on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheeses have melted into a delicious, bubbly crust. Let the baked goodness rest for 10 minutes to set before serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves make the ideal garnish, adding a pop of green color and a fragrant, fresh-tasting lift that balances the richness of this baked spaghetti. You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan over each plate for a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides that complement without competing. A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce are perfect companions. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a great balance and freshness alongside the rich baked pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, consider baking the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass baking dish so the beautiful layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese can be seen before digging in—almost too pretty to eat, but hunger always wins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Baked Spaghetti tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days and makes a fantastic next-day meal with all those flavors melding even more.
Freezing
You can freeze the uneaten baked spaghetti by wrapping it tightly in foil and then placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep the moisture in, heating for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, but be sure to stir halfway to heat evenly and prevent any dryness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
While traditional spaghetti is ideal for the texture and layering experience in this recipe, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep them al dente for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for plant-based meat substitutes or a mixture of mushrooms and lentils to keep the hearty texture while maintaining the rich flavor profile.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, one of the wonderful things about this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe is that you can assemble it a day in advance, cover it well, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes—can I skip them?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tang and sweetness, but if you don’t have them, omit them or substitute with chopped roasted red peppers for a different but still delicious flavor boost.
How spicy is the finished dish?
This baked spaghetti has a gentle warm kick from the spicy Italian sausage and optional chili flakes, but the cream cheeses help mellow the heat. If you prefer less spice, choose mild sausage and skip the chili flakes without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved crowd-pleaser. It’s a beautiful blend of comforting pasta, creamy cheeses, and hearty meat sauce that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Trust me, whether it’s family dinner night or you want to wow your guests, this recipe delivers happy smiles and full plates every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to baked pasta dish!
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Print
Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a rich, comforting casserole featuring layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, ground beef and spicy Italian sausage simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, creamy ricotta and cream cheese blend, and topped with a melty combination of mozzarella, provolone, and pepperoni. Baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is a family-friendly classic ideal for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Cheese Mixture
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 32 ounces marinara sauce, or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 1 cup water
- Fresh basil, for serving
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it with the room-temperature butter to coat evenly.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot set over medium heat, add the ground spicy Italian sausage, ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brown the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the meat is cooked through and vegetables are softened.
- Add tomato base and simmer: Stir in the marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes along with 1 cup of water. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and chili flakes according to your taste preference. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and remove the pot from heat. Add fresh basil leaves to the sauce as well.
- Mix the creamy cheese filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, whole milk ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large casserole dish, start with a layer of about 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of the buttered cooked spaghetti, then spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining meat sauce, spreading it out evenly across the surface.
- Add cheese and pepperoni topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded provolone cheese evenly over the assembled layers, then top with the sliced pepperoni.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top, then slice and serve warm for a hearty, delicious meal.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture; part-skim may yield a drier result.
- Substitute spicy Italian sausage with mild if you prefer less heat.
- Make sure to not overcook the spaghetti in boiling water as it will bake longer and could become mushy otherwise.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for easier slicing.
- Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered before serving.
