If you have been searching for a show-stopping, cozy, and absolutely irresistible pasta dish, look no further than the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe. This delightful casserole combines tender spaghetti, a rich blend of cheeses, and a hearty sausage and beef sauce that’s perfectly seasoned to please every member of the family. The gooey melted cheeses mingle with the zesty tomato sauce and the hint of sun-dried tomatoes, creating layers of flavor that get better with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build perfect harmony in taste, texture, and color. From creamy cheeses to savory meats and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, every component plays a vital role in making this dish truly unforgettable.
- 1 pound dry spaghetti: The pasta that holds everything together, cooked al dente for just the right chew.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature: Tossed with the warm spaghetti for richness and flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, slightly tangy softness to balance the savory elements.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: Brings a luscious smoothness to the cheese mixture.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Intensifies flavor with its nutty, salty bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty depth to the sauce.
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful kick that livens up the dish.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Builds a savory foundation with its gentle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs for aromatic warmth.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness.
- 32 ounces marinara sauce, or canned crushed tomatoes: The rich, tangy heart of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Imparts a concentrated, slightly sweet tomato flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stretchy goodness topping the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Adds a smoky, mild complement to the mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Offers a savory pop and beautiful color contrast.
- Fresh basil, for serving: Brightens up the dish with a fragrant, fresh finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Meat Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente – firm, but not hard. When drained, toss it gently with the room-temperature butter to ensure every strand is silky and flavorful. While the pasta cooks, brown your ground beef and spicy Italian sausage together in a Dutch oven over medium heat, along with chopped onion, bell pepper, and a generous sprinkling of Italian seasoning. This combination forms the robust base of your sauce. Once browned, add marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes, plus a cup of water, seasoning everything with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for that perfect gentle heat. Let this simmer until it thickens slightly. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil before removing it from the heat.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta, and grated parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This luscious mixture adds a velvety texture and a subtle tang that balances the bold meat sauce beautifully. Make sure the cream cheese is soft enough to blend smoothly for an even spread throughout the dish.
Step 3: Assemble Your Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti
Grab a large casserole dish and begin layering starting with a cup of the meat sauce directly on the bottom. Next, spread half of the buttered spaghetti, followed by dollops of the creamy cheese mixture. Add the remaining spaghetti and the rest of the meat sauce on top. Now comes the indulgent part – cover everything generously with shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and sprinkle the sliced pepperoni all over for a savory burst and gorgeous color. This careful layering ensures every forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and golden. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes out of the oven before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to marry and the layers to set, making it easier to serve delightful, uniform portions. Finally, finish with a scattering of fresh basil leaves right before serving for that fresh aroma and lovely visual appeal.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! Fresh basil leaves add not only a pop of bright green color but also a fragrant herbal lift that elevates the rich, hearty flavors of this baked spaghetti. Consider a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese if you want to add an extra touch of richness right before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance out the richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted seasonal vegetables adds texture and freshness. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are fantastic companions if you want to keep the comfort-food vibe alive with some crunchy, buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. This personal presentation makes it a standout for dinner parties or family gatherings. You can also sprinkle extra pepperoni or fresh herbs on top right before serving to make each portion uniquely yours. Pair it with a bold red wine or a sparkling water with lemon to complete the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day servings just as delicious. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the perfect texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble it as usual but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. Freezing makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350° F, covered with foil to avoid drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Freshen it up with a sprinkle of mozzarella or basil before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap it for penne, rigatoni, or ziti if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to keep the pasta al dente so it holds up well during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat substitutes, mushrooms, or extra vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. The rich cheeses and sauce will keep it hearty and satisfying.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. The meat sauce can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated until ready to use. This makes assembly quicker and lets the flavors develop, adding even more depth to your Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe.
What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, you can omit them or substitute with chopped roasted red peppers or a bit of tomato paste to maintain that concentrated tomato flavor.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spiciness mainly comes from the Italian sausage and optional chili flakes. You can adjust the heat level by choosing mild sausage, reducing or skipping the chili flakes, or adding extra for more kick. It’s easy to tailor to your family’s taste!
Final Thoughts
You simply cannot go wrong with this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe as a go-to comfort meal. With its perfectly seasoned meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and irresistible baked topping, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it your signature crowd-pleaser for many dinners to come!
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 hearty, cheesy casserole that layers tender spaghetti with a savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and spicy pepperoni. This comforting baked pasta dish combines ground beef and Italian sausage with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning for a rich, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta 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
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 32 ounces marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- Salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti until al dente following the package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it with the room temperature butter to coat evenly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: While pasta cooks, heat a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground spicy Italian sausage, ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and vegetables softened, about 10 minutes. Add marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes), 1 cup water, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and remove from heat. Add fresh basil now or use it as garnish later.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, layer 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Add the buttered spaghetti on top of the sauce, followed by the cheese mixture spread evenly over the pasta. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the assembled casserole. Top with sliced pepperoni. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy the rich, cheesy, and flavorful baked spaghetti!
Notes
- For milder flavor, substitute spicy Italian sausage with sweet Italian sausage or omit chili flakes.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but be mindful it might release more moisture.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Ensure pasta is well drained and tossed with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
