Million Dollar Spaghetti is a simple, hearty dish that brings together spaghetti noodles, creamy cheese sauce, and flavorful ground beef. It’s the kind of meal that feels special even though it’s made with everyday ingredients. The cheese melts perfectly over the pasta, giving every bite a comforting, rich taste that’s easy to love.
I like to make this when I want something filling but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s one of those retro recipes that somehow stays just as good as ever — kind of like a warm hug on a plate. I always find myself going back for seconds, especially since it’s both cheesy and satisfying without being fussy.
My favorite way to serve Million Dollar Spaghetti is with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to add a little crunch and extra flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something cozy. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd or packing for leftovers the next day because it tastes even better after sitting for a bit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic long strands work great here, but feel free to swap with other pasta like penne or rigatoni if you want a different texture. Just cook according to package directions.
Ground Beef: I find lean ground beef (85% lean) gives good flavor without too much grease. You can swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based ground meat.
Cream Cheese: This adds the creamy, rich texture that makes the dish special. If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can be good substitutes.
Cheese (Mozzarella & Parmesan): Mozzarella melts beautifully for gooey texture, and Parmesan adds savory depth. You can swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar, and Parmesan with Pecorino Romano if you like a sharper taste.
Sour Cream: This gives a slight tang and creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a good substitute and adds a protein boost.
How Do I Get the Cream Cheese Mix to Blend Smoothly Without Lumps?
Getting a creamy, smooth sauce is key to this dish’s success. Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Leaving it out at room temperature for 30 minutes helps.
- Use a whisk or fork to beat the cream cheese and sour cream together in a bowl until smooth before adding the shredded cheeses.
- Mix in the cheeses gradually and keep stirring so it blends evenly.
- If you do get small lumps, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and a good stir usually smooths things out.
- Mix it well into the hot spaghetti and sauce mixture so the heat helps everything come together nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the spaghetti until al dente, I like a big pot to prevent boiling over.
- Skillet or large sauce pan – to cook the ground beef and make the sauce; a non-stick pan makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately for balanced flavor.
- Baking dish (9×13-inch) – to bake your spaghetti until bubbly and golden on top.
- Silver spoon or spatula – for spreading and stirring everything together evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for different flavors and leaner options.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to boost veggies and texture.
- Use different cheeses like provolone or sharp cheddar to change the flavor profile.
- Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs for extra spice and aroma.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to bake, plus around 10 minutes for boiling the pasta and cooking the beef mixture. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes from start to finish — great for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
While spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft, then drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine & Bake:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce in the skillet, mixing it well. Then stir in the creamy cheese mixture until everything is combined evenly. Transfer the whole mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch, and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish through step 8, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Definitely! Provolone or cheddar can replace mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano works well instead of Parmesan. Just keep the total cheese amount similar to maintain that creamy texture.
