Million Dollar Spaghetti Ultra-Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta is a rich, indulgent baked pasta dish that turns a simple spaghetti dinner into something truly special. Layers of tender spaghetti, hearty meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling come together to create a comforting, casserole-style meal that tastes like pure luxury. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to serve a crowd-pleasing classic with an elevated twist.
Million Dollar Spaghetti:
What makes Million Dollar Spaghetti so irresistible is its contrast of textures and flavors—savory meat sauce, silky cream cheese filling, and melted cheese baked until bubbly and golden. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a repeat favourite.
History:
Spaghetti has long been a staple of Italian cuisine, but baked spaghetti casseroles became especially popular in American home cooking during the mid-20th century. The “Million Dollar” version emerged as cooks began layering spaghetti with cream cheese, sour cream, and extra cheese, transforming a traditional pasta dish into a rich, celebratory comfort meal often served at gatherings and holidays.
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Million Dollar Spaghetti Ultra-Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- In a baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, spread the cream cheese mixture, add half the meat sauce, and sprinkle some mozzarella.
- Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti and sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use full-fat dairy for best texture.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Sauce thickens as it cools.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Tips for Dollar Spaghetti:
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a blend of cheeses for deeper flavor.
- Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
- Serve with garlic bread and salad.
FAQs for Dollar Spaghetti:
Q1: Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze unbaked or baked, then reheat thoroughly.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit meat and add vegetables.
Q4: What sauce works best?
A thick marinara or meat sauce works best.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat covered in the oven or microwave with a splash of water.
Conclusion:
Million Dollar Spaghetti Ultra-Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta is the ultimate comfort food upgrade—rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or make-ahead dinners, this baked pasta dish delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Simple to prepare and always a hit, it truly earns its “million dollar” name.