Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s guaranteed to impress, the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole combines silky, cheesy spaghetti with a rich, flavorful meat sauce that’s baked until bubbly and golden—think of it as spaghetti’s richer, cozier cousin. I love making this recipe when I want something that feels special but is still easy enough to throw together after a busy day.

What makes this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe stand out is the way it layers creamy garlic butter sauce with hearty meatiness and melty mozzarella. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks because it feeds a big group with plenty of leftovers to enjoy. Plus, I’ve found it’s very forgiving, so even if you’re not a pro cook yet, you’ll still nail it.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to bring harmony between creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors. It’s all about balancing comfort with a touch of elegance, and you can find most of these staples right at your local store.

• Regular Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that holds up well under the creamy sauce and baking process.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and acts as the foundation of the garlic cream sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for that pop of fragrant flavor—never skip this!
• Heavy Cream: Creates the silky Alfredo-like sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives both the sauce and meat that familiar Italian flair.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Boost the flavor layers without overpowering the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese (Fresh Shaved): Melts smoothly into the cream sauce for a sharp, tangy kick.
• Ground Beef: I prefer Italian sausage for extra seasoning, but classic beef works great too.
• Yellow Onion & Green Bell Pepper: Provides sweetness and crunch that complements the meat nicely.
• Jar of Spaghetti Sauce: Convenient and flavorful base—shake with a little water to get every last drop out!
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts gorgeously on top, giving that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves.
• Fresh or Dried Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness at the end.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch up the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge and my mood. It’s super flexible, so feel free to make it your own by adjusting proteins, veggies, or seasonings.

• Variation: I’ve made it with ground Italian chicken sausage for a lighter take, and honestly, it’s just as tasty and juicy.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty, meat-free meal.
• Spice it Up: I sometimes add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce when I’m craving a little heat—it wakes up the whole dish.
• Cheese Lovers: Feel free to mix in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack with the mozzarella for added flavor complexity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Spaghetti

Start by boiling your spaghetti in plenty of salted water until it’s al dente—this means it should still have a slight bite since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well but don’t rinse, so the sauce clings better. Setting aside properly cooked pasta is key to achieving the perfect texture in the baked dish.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

In a big skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and gently cook the minced garlic just until fragrant—about one minute. Pour in the heavy cream and add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. Turn the heat down low and slowly stir in the shaved Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. This sauce will make your spaghetti luscious instead of just plain pasta.

Step 3: Toss the Spaghetti in the Cream Sauce

Next, add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet or mix it in a big bowl with the creamy sauce to coat every strand. Transfer this tasty coated pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. This layer seals in moisture when baked and sets the stage for the delicious meat sauce on top.

Step 4: Cook the Meat Sauce

In another skillet, brown the ground beef along with diced onions and green bell peppers until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily. Stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce, add a splash of water to get all that saucy goodness out of the jar, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors well.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the meat sauce evenly over the creamy spaghetti layer in your casserole dish, but don’t stir them together. This layering helps keep textures distinct yet harmonious. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, then slide the dish into your preheated 400°F oven. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s bubbling all over and the cheese is beautifully melted and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh or dried parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve neat portions. Grab a fork and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky, meaty goodness!

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that burst of color and a hint of bright herbiness. Sometimes if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for heat right at the table.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, and some garlic bread is always a winner alongside this baked spaghetti for soaking up extra sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also add a fresh balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the spaghetti in small individual ramekins—everyone loves having their own gooey cheese-topped portion. It also doubles as a fun presentation for holiday dinners or when you want to wow guests without extra fuss in plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe has cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, so reheated portions taste just as good, if not better.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the entire assembled casserole before baking with great results. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks or batch cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop leftover portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave single servings with a damp paper towel on top to keep it moist. Either way, you’ll still get that creamy, cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, flavorful, and wholly satisfying. I always find myself coming back to it when I want something easy that still makes an impression on the family or guests. Give it a try; I promise once you make it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods that everyone will ask for time and time again.

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