Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

I recently discovered this Million Dollar Spaghetti that blends hearty ground beef and Italian sausage with a rich tomato medley and a dreamy, three-cheese layer. I love how each bite delivers a burst of savory flavors and perfectly cooked pasta, urging me to dive right back in for another delicious experience.

I’m excited to share my take on Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti. This dish is a game changer that mixes the heartiness of spaghetti dinner with a modern twist.

I started by cooking 1 lb of spaghetti noodles until they was just al dente and tossed them with a rich meat sauce made from 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb Italian sausage, a chopped onion, and 3 garlic cloves. I then added a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and a 15 oz can of tomato sauce, seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, making it absolutely mouthwatering.

The real magic came when I mixed in softened 8 oz cream cheese into the pasta for a melty center, then layered it with 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan on top. It tastes like a mix of baked ziti and lasagna with a lot less effort than youd expect.

Enjoy the delicious simplicity of this meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it always gives me that amazing comfort food vibe. The creamy, melty center mixed with the hearty meat sauce makes every bite feel special like a perfect mix between baked ziti and lasagna.

I also like that it doesn’t take a ton of effort to make yet still looks and tastes like a fancy meal. My friends and family always rave about the cheesy, bubbly top, and I feel pretty proud whenever I serve it.

Another thing is how the flavors just blend together really well. The combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, and that blend of cheeses create a dish that hits all the right spots for me.

Lastly, the fact that it’s both simple to prepare and super satisfying makes it a must-have recipe in my rotation.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti noodles: A hearty carb source that gives satisfying texture and boosts energy.
• Ground beef: Rich in protein and iron, it builds robust flavor and hearty appeal.
• Italian sausage: Spicy meat adds extra zing, blends fat and bold savory notes.
• Crushed tomatoes: Offers tangy sweetness and loads of vitamins while keeping dish moist.
• Cream cheese: Brings creamy, rich texture that mellow out the spicy tomato base.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melty, gooey topping that unites flavors and adds familiar comfort.
• Dried basil and oregano: Infuse aromatic herbal notes that elevate this meaty baked pasta.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds tangy, salty bite enhancing layers of flavor despite its small amount.
• Cheddar cheese: Injects a robust, sharp flavor that contrasts beautifully with mild creaminess.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles (cooked until al dente)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente, then drain them.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage (make sure you removed the casings) along with the chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute; then stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Let it simmer for around 10 minutes.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until its well combined even if it’s a bit lumpy.

6. Pour half the cooked spaghetti into your baking dish and then dollop the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.

7. Carefully spread the meat sauce over the pasta making sure all of the flavors get a chance to shine.

8. Layer the remaining spaghetti on top of the sauce and sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dish.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

10. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes till the cheese is extra bubbly and slightly browned. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 9×13 inch baking dish (lightly greased)
3. Large pot (for boiling salted water for the spaghetti)
4. Colander (to drain the noodles)
5. Large skillet (to brown the beef, sausage, and onions)
6. Knife (for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic)
7. Cutting board (for prepping the vegetables)
8. Mixing bowl (to combine the cream cheese and shredded cheeses)
9. Stirring spoon or spatula (for mixing ingredients in the skillet)
10. Aluminum foil (to cover the baking dish during part of the baking process)
11. Measuring cups and spoons (for the cheeses and spices)

FAQ

Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of ground beef, you could using ground turkey or chicken if you’re trying to go leaner
• You can swap out the Italian sausage for spicy chorizo to give the dish a different kick
• If you dont have cream cheese, ricotta works well though its a bit milder in flavor
• For mozzarella, provolone or Monterey jack can do the job if you’re looking for another melty option

Pro Tips

1. When browning the meat, dont rush it. Let it get a good sear so the meat’s juices caramelize and add tons of flavor, but make sure to drain off any extra grease so youre not left with a soggy sauce.

2. Make sure your cream cheese is softened right before you mix it with the other cheeses. If it’s too cold, it wont blend well and you’ll end up with clumps that ruin the smooth texture of your creamy layer.

3. Keep an eye on your sauce while it simmers. If you have extra time, let it cook a little longer so the flavors really blend together. A good sauce can be the difference between a bland dish and one thats bursting with flavor.

4. After you bake the pasta, leave it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets all the layers set a bit and helps the dish hold together better when youre serving it.