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Get ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug—Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti! Picture perfectly cooked spaghetti mixed with seasoned ground beef and rich, creamy sauces, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that dance on your tongue, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks with friends. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, and you can enjoy that luxurious taste without guilt because it’s creamy without using cream! It’s like a comforting classic with a twist that’s sure to impress, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some comfort food on a chilly evening.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)

You’ll fall head over heels for Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti for many reasons. First, it’s the ultimate comfort food, melding rich meat, smooth sauces, and stringy cheese into a delightful experience with every forkful. Plus, you can make it in under an hour! Kids adore it, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra protein with minimal effort.

Here are a few more reasons why you’ll love this dish:

Speed: Whips up in about 30 minutes when you have everything prepped.
Texture: A creamy inside with a slightly crispy, golden top—yum!
Pantry-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have.
Meal Prep: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying during the week.
Dietary Notes: Can be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free.
Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners or serving at parties!
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, hearty dish.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

8 oz spaghetti – serves as the base, providing satisfying carbs.
1 lb ground beef – adds protein and a hearty flavor.
1 jar pasta sauce – gives depth with a touch of acidity.
1 cup alfredo sauce – delivers a creamy richness that ties everything together.
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded – brings the meltiness that everyone craves.
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional) – for added creaminess and texture.
1 tsp garlic powder – infuses savory notes throughout the dish.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – adds a comforting, herby flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – enhances all the other tastes.

Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Phase 1 – Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble

Mix the cooked spaghetti with the pasta sauce, alfredo sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl.
Fold in the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese (if using), and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.

Phase 3 – Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve hot and enjoy the gooey goodness!

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Technique Improvement: For added flavor, sauté some onions and bell peppers with the meat before mixing in.
Storage/Time Saver: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not cooking the spaghetti enough. If it’s too soft, it may turn mushy in the oven. Aim for al dente! Another mistake is overloading on sauce, which can make it soggy. Use the recommended amounts for the best balance. Lastly, forgetfulness on seasoning. Just a pinch of salt and pepper can elevate the dish—don’t skip it!

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and sauces.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Herbal: Toss in fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Stovetop/Instant Pot: Create a one-pot version for even easier cleanup.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Best Pairings

Toppings: Fresh parsley or basil for color and fresh flavor.
Toppings: Grated Parmesan for that extra cheesy touch.
Drink Pairing: Serve with a crisp salad and a glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness!

Make Ahead & Storage

Can I Meal Prep This?

Yes! You can prepare and assemble it a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. It may be a bit softer when reheated but still delicious!

Reheating

Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Absolutely! Just steam it first and add it before baking for some extra veggie goodness.

How to make it extra creamy without cream?

Incorporate extra ricotta or use a cream substitute like cashew cream.

Can I double it?

Definitely! Use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time slightly if needed.

How to fix too-thick soup?

Add a splash of broth or water slowly until you’ve reached the desired consistency.

Ready to indulge in this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti? It’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Try this recipe and let us know what you think by rating or commenting below! For more cozy recipes, check out our pasta category for more delicious ideas.