If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that will have everyone at the dinner table reaching for seconds, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti. This crowd-pleaser is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness layered with rich marinara sauce and savory ground beef. Think of it as a cheesy lasagna but with the familiar flavors of spaghetti, making it the ultimate comfort food.

This dish comes together in no time and is perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a potluck. The blend of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and flavorful meat sauce creates a rich, satisfying meal everyone will love. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

What Makes This Million Dollar Spaghetti Special?

Cheese Lovers Delight: This recipe is loaded with layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. It’s a cheese lover’s dream!
Savory Meat Sauce: The rich, homemade marinara sauce is packed with flavor, featuring ground beef, herbs, and spices.
Quick and Easy: Despite its indulgent nature, this dish is surprisingly simple to make. It comes together in just over an hour!
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, comforting dish. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredient Notes

Spaghetti: This is the base of the dish, giving it that familiar pasta feel. You can substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
Ground Beef: The hearty meat sauce brings flavor and richness to the dish. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild flavor to balance the savory elements of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cottage cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that holds everything together. Whole milk mozzarella works best, but part-skim is a healthier option.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the mozzarella and ricotta.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a bit of red pepper flakes.
Herbs and Spices: Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion powder create a depth of flavor. Fresh garlic and onion can be sautéed for an extra kick.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Layer the Spaghetti: In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with half of the cheese mixture, then half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Bake and Serve: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

Room Temperature: This dish is best served fresh, but you can keep leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Reheating Tips: To avoid drying out, cover the spaghetti with foil while reheating in the oven. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti: Replace the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter twist on the classic.
Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella to make this dish suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the layers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish.
Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely! Freezing works great for this recipe. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, store-bought marinara works just fine for this dish. For an extra flavor boost, add a little extra garlic or herbs.
How do I know when the spaghetti is done baking? The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the edges should be slightly crispy. If you want a crispier top, leave it uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese? Yes, cottage cheese is a good substitute for ricotta. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please. With layers of cheesy, savory goodness, this recipe is one you’ll want to make over and over again. Try it today and share your results with us – we’d love to hear how your Million Dollar Spaghetti turned out!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe – Ultimate Comfort Food

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Ingredients

Scale

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.
Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add marinara sauce and seasonings, simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix ricotta, half of mozzarella and parmesan, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
Layer spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce in the baking dish. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 420
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 28g