Million Dollar Spaghetti with Steak and Shrimp Recipe

Name: million dollar spaghetti
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-486801H1M47S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 16 ounces dried spaghetti noodles; – 1/2 pound ground beef; – 1/2 to 1 1/2 pounds ground Italian sausage (casing removed); – Salt and pepper; – 1 small onion, chopped; – 2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced; – 24 ounces marinara sauce; – 3 tablespoons butter; – 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; – 1/4 cup sour cream; – 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese; – 2 to 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; – 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; – 3 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (optional); – Olive oil

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Why You’ll Love This million dollar spaghetti

Ease of preparation: This million dollar spaghetti recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, making it perfect for busy individuals and families alike. The straightforward steps from boiling pasta to layering the casserole allow you to have a hearty meal ready in under an hour without any fuss.
Health benefits: Packed with protein from ground beef and Italian sausage, this dish offers essential nutrients to fuel your body. The combination of cheeses provides calcium and healthy fats while the inclusion of garlic and onions supports immune health. This balance of ingredients makes million dollar spaghetti a wholesome comfort food option.
Versatility: Whether you need gluten-free pasta, want to swap meat for plant-based proteins, or prefer a lighter version with low-fat cheeses, million dollar spaghetti adapts easily. You can tailor this spaghetti casserole to fit diverse dietary preferences without losing its signature comforting taste and creamy texture.
Distinctive flavor: The secret to this million dollar spaghetti’s standout taste lies in its rich meat sauce made with a combination of savory Italian sausage and ground beef, layered with a creamy three-cheese blend that melts perfectly. The melding of these flavors creates a rich, indulgent dinner dish that feels both familiar and special.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This million dollar spaghetti
2. Essential Ingredients for million dollar spaghetti
3. How to Prepare the Perfect million dollar spaghetti: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your million dollar spaghetti
5. Mastering million dollar spaghetti: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store million dollar spaghetti: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About million dollar spaghetti
8. million dollar spaghetti

Essential Ingredients for million dollar spaghetti

Main Ingredients:

16 ounces dried spaghetti noodles – the fundamental pasta base that holds the layers together.
1/2 pound ground beef – adds hearty, savory protein and richness.
1/2 to 1 1/2 pounds ground Italian sausage (casing removed) – infuses the dish with robust flavor and savory depth.
Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning and balancing the meat sauce.
1 small onion, chopped (or 1 cup yellow onion) – provides sweetness and aromatic depth.
2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced – delivers fresh, pungent flavor that enhances the meat sauce.
24 ounces marinara sauce – creates a tomato-rich base to marry all components.
3 tablespoons butter (sliced and divided in some variations) – used to coat noodles for a silky texture and added richness.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened – gives the casserole its creamy, tangy layer.
1/4 cup sour cream – adds smoothness and a subtle tang to the cheese mixture.
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese – contributes moisture and a mild, creamy texture (ricotta can replace cottage cheese for a slightly different texture).
2 to 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – for gooey, melty, cheesy goodness.
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a sharp, nutty flavor and golden finish.
3 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (optional) – blends herbs like basil and oregano to amplify flavor complexity.
Olive oil for cooking – used to sauté the meat and aromatics.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Replace ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based meats or lentils, and use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheeses to maintain creaminess.
Gluten-free: Swap traditional spaghetti noodles for gluten-free pasta varieties, ensuring that marinara sauce and seasonings are also gluten-free.
Low-calorie: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage, choose reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and consider substituting noodles with spiralized vegetables like zucchini.

How to Prepare the Perfect million dollar spaghetti: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop 1 small onion and mince 2 to 4 cloves of fresh garlic. Having your aromatics ready will help you cook the meat sauce quickly and evenly.

Second Step: Cook the Meat and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 to 1 1/2 pounds of ground Italian sausage (casing removed). Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in half of the marinara sauce (12 ounces) and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Third Step: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 ounces dried spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain well. Immediately toss noodles with 3 tablespoons butter and the remaining 12 ounces of marinara sauce, coating strands thoroughly for added flavor and moisture. Reserve about 1/2 cup sauce if you prefer to toss noodles separately for better integration.

Fourth Step: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta. Mix until smooth. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and the dried Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Stir to create a creamy, herb-infused cheese blend that will layer beautifully in the casserole.

Fifth Step: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Optionally, lay half the butter slices on the bottom to keep the casserole moist. Spread half of the spaghetti noodles evenly on the bottom. Dollop and spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Place the remaining noodles over the cheese layer.

Pour the meat sauce mixture evenly over the top layer of noodles. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (about 1 to 2 cups) and 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Sixth Step: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. The casserole is done when bubbling around the edges and the cheese is golden brown. Watch carefully if the cheese browns too fast, loosely tent the dish with foil to prevent burning.

Final Step: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the million dollar spaghetti rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for neat servings. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Check out this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for other comforting pasta dishes that your family will love.

For a flavorful homemade sauce guide, see How to Make Classic Meat Sauce for Pasta.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your million dollar spaghetti

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

You can easily customize million dollar spaghetti’s main ingredients to suit your dietary needs or ingredient availability:

Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken for leaner options.
For vegan or vegetarian diets, use lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based ground meat substitutes instead of beef and sausage.
Cottage cheese can be replaced with ricotta cheese in a 1:1 ratio for a slightly different but still creamy texture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

For added nutrition and flavor variety, consider these changes:

Add fresh or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost color and nutrients.
Substitute the marinara sauce with roasted red pepper sauce or another tomato-based sauce for a unique twist.
Adjust seasonings by adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley, or spice things up with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Mastering million dollar spaghetti: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Browning the meat in smaller batches avoids steaming and develops deeper flavor. Use a splash of reserved pasta water when tossing noodles to help the sauce adhere better.
Flavor variations: Try incorporating a splash of red wine into the meat sauce or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness. Mixing different cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone creates delightful textures.
Presentation tips: Garnish servings with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for added aroma and color. Serving in individual ramekins can make festive presentation easy.
Make-ahead options: The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated overnight, allowing flavors to meld. You can also prepare and freeze the casserole before baking for busy nights just thaw fully in the fridge before baking.

How to Store million dollar spaghetti: Best Practices

Storage Method	Guidelines
Refrigeration	Store leftover million dollar spaghetti in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing	For longer storage, freeze the casserole tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months. Thaw fully in the refrigerator 1-2 days before reheating. For safe freezing practices, see Tips for Freezing Casseroles Properly.
Reheating	Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to avoid drying out, or microwave individual portions adding a splash of water. Heat until warmed through.
Meal Prep Tips	Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate or freeze to save time later. Cook pasta separately during busy weeks to preserve ideal texture on reheating.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About million dollar spaghetti

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti and what ingredients are used?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a layered casserole that combines cooked spaghetti noodles, a rich homemade meat sauce, and multiple types of cheese—often including cottage or ricotta, shredded cheddar, and sometimes cream cheese or mozzarella. Italian sausage or ground beef is typically used for the meat layer. Butter and seasonings add extra flavor. This dish offers a comforting blend of textures and cheesy goodness, making it a popular family meal.

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time and how should I store it?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti can be assembled one day before baking. Simply prepare the layers, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate. If freezing, assemble the casserole but do not bake, then cover well with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator 1-2 days before baking. Proper storage keeps the flavors fresh and texture intact for later enjoyment.

What is the best baking temperature and how long do I bake Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Bake Million Dollar Spaghetti in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during part of the baking time. Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow it to set, which makes serving easier.

Can I customize Million Dollar Spaghetti to suit dietary preferences or use different ingredients?

Yes, you can customize this dish easily. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Substitute ground beef for Italian sausage or mix sausage and beef for varied flavor. Ricotta cheese can replace cottage cheese but may slightly change the texture. You can also try different pasta types, such as penne or rotini, to switch up the dish.

How long can I keep leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti and what’s the best way to reheat it?

Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, or warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Million Dollar Spaghetti with Steak and Shrimp for a Comfort Food Dinner Upgrade