Try My Baked Spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti)
Try My Baked Spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti) is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 1000 calories per serving. Recipe by The Simple Way with Delilah on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 35 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min
Cost: $20.03 total, $3.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.25 whole White Onion (diced)
- 0.25 whole Bell Pepper (any color, diced)
- 2 whole Green Onion (one for sauté, one for cheese sauce and garnish, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean (80/20) or your preference)
- 1 pound Mild Italian Sausage (remove casing, crumble)
- 36 ounces Garlic & Herb Pasta Sauce (high‑quality brand; can use any good tomato‑herb sauce)
- to taste Sugar (balances acidity, optional)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 pound Spaghetti (break into halves if needed to fit pan)
- 8 ounces Sour Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 5 ounces Cottage Cheese
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (room temperature, softened)
- 2 ounces Parmesan Cheese (grated, for bottom layer)
- 16 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Dice the vegetables
Dice 1/4 white onion, 1/4 bell pepper, and chop 1 green onion. Mince 4 garlic cloves.
Time: PT5M
Brown the ground beef
Heat the large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Time: PT8M
Cook the Italian sausage
Reduce heat to medium, add the crumbled mild Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until mostly done, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Sauté onions and bell pepper
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Time: PT2M
Simmer the meat sauce
Pour in 36 oz of garlic‑herb pasta sauce, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Reduce heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30–45 minutes.
Time: PT35M
Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb spaghetti and cook al dente, 8–10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
Time: PT10M
Prepare the cheese sauce
In a mixing bowl combine 8 oz sour cream, 5 oz cottage cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, the remaining chopped green onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Layer the bottom sauce
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over it.
Time: PT2M
Add the spaghetti
Evenly distribute the cooked spaghetti over the sauce in a single layer.
Time: PT2M
Spread the cheese sauce
Drop spoonfuls of the cheese sauce over the spaghetti and gently spread it to cover the noodles.
Time: PT2M
Top with remaining meat sauce
Spoon the rest of the meat sauce over the cheese layer, spreading gently.
Time: PT2M
Add mozzarella and parsley
Evenly sprinkle 16 oz shredded mozzarella over the top and dust with dried parsley.
Time: PT2M
Bake the casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–45 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Time: PT40M
Temperature: 375°F
Add fresh green onion garnish (optional)
During the last 15 minutes of baking, scatter the reserved chopped green onion over the top.
Time: PT5M
Rest before serving
Remove from oven and let the baked spaghetti rest 10–15 minutes so the layers set.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 1000
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 80 g
- Fat
- 55 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of White Onion: Yellow onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Poblano pepper, red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Instead of Green Onion: chives, scallions
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Mild Italian Sausage: spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage
- Instead of Garlic & Herb Pasta Sauce: marinara sauce, homemade tomato sauce
- Instead of Sugar: honey (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Spaghetti: linguine, penne
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt (same amount)
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: ricotta cheese (5 oz)
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese (same amount)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, cheddar blend
- Instead of Dried Parsley: fresh parsley (1 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13 Inch Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Grater
- Kitchen Shears (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Break down ground beef and sausage into fine crumbs for a smooth sauce.
- Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Simmer the meat sauce for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook spaghetti al dente; overcooked pasta becomes mushy after baking.
- Spread each layer evenly to ensure consistent texture.
- Bake until mozzarella is golden and bubbly; optional broil adds extra crust.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality garlic‑herb pasta sauce; it reduces the need for extra seasoning.
- Room‑temperature cream cheese blends smoothly, preventing lumps in the cheese sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers.
- Broil for the last 3 minutes for a beautifully browned top.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery after simmering.
Increase simmer time uncovered, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken.
Pasta becomes mushy after baking.
Cook spaghetti al dente and do not over‑bake; check at the 30‑minute mark.
Cheese layer is dry or does not melt.
Make sure the cheese sauce is well‑mixed and the casserole is covered for the first part of baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The meat sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate; bake directly from the fridge, adding 5‑10 minutes to the bake time.
- Cheese sauce can be mixed a day ahead and kept chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti) in Italian‑American cuisine?
Baked spaghetti emerged in mid‑20th‑century Italian‑American households as a way to stretch meat and pasta into a hearty, crowd‑pleasing casserole. It combines classic Italian flavors with the American love of cheesy, oven‑baked comfort dishes, often served at family gatherings and potlucks.
What are the traditional regional variations of baked spaghetti in the United States?
In the Northeast, cooks often add mozzarella and a breadcrumb topping, while in the Midwest many recipes include a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese. Some Southern versions incorporate a bit of hot sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for extra kick.
How is baked spaghetti traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the casserole, cut into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad or garlic bread. Many families garnish the top with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for color and freshness.
What occasions or celebrations is baked spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti) traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Baked spaghetti is a staple at casual family gatherings, birthday parties, church potlucks, and game‑day meals. Its one‑dish nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd without much fuss.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with baked spaghetti?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic‑buttered breadsticks. A light antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats complements the richness of the casserole.
What makes baked spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti) special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The dish blends a meat‑rich tomato sauce with a creamy sour‑cream‑based cheese layer, creating a luxurious texture that’s richer than a standard spaghetti bake. The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and two different cheese sauces gives it a “million‑dollar” flavor profile.
How has baked spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti) evolved over time in Italian‑American cooking?
Originally a simple meat‑and‑tomato bake, modern versions incorporate higher‑quality sauces, a mix of cheeses, and optional herbs. Home cooks now often add a broiled crust or swap cottage cheese for ricotta to update the classic recipe.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti)?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta, not draining the fat from the meat, and skipping the simmer step for the sauce. These mistakes lead to a greasy, soggy casserole instead of a firm, flavorful bake.
Why does this baked spaghetti recipe use only salt and pepper for seasoning instead of a complex spice blend?
Delilah relies on the flavor of high‑quality garlic‑herb pasta sauce, the savory sausage, and the cheese mixture, so simple salt and pepper let those ingredients shine without overwhelming the dish.
Can I make baked spaghetti (Million Dollar Spaghetti) ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5‑10 minutes to the bake time, or freeze for up to 2 months and bake after thawing.
What does the YouTube channel The Simple Way with Delilah specialize in?
The Simple Way with Delilah focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that emphasize minimal ingredients, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and everyday comfort food recipes.
How does the YouTube channel The Simple Way with Delilah's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Delilah prioritizes simplicity and speed, often using store‑bought sauces and pantry staples, whereas many other channels may delve into complex, multi‑step preparations. Her videos aim to make classic dishes accessible to cooks of any skill level.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
