Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 8. 660 calories per serving. Recipe by Cookinginthemidwest on YouTube.
Prep: 26 min | Cook: 57 min | Total: 1 hr 38 min
Cost: $14.11 total, $1.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium Onion (Yellow onion, diced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Sweet paprika)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Dried blend of herbs)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, adjust for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (Minced fresh garlic)
- 1 jar (24 oz) Marinara Sauce (Store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 pound Spaghetti (Durum wheat spaghetti)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Full‑fat ricotta)
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (Small‑curd cottage cheese)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (Half a block, softened)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted, softened)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded, part‑skim or whole milk)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out all spices, cheeses, butter, and pasta.
Time: PT5M
Brown Ground Beef and Onion
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Break the meat apart and cook until the beef is no longer pink.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Season the Meat
Season the browned beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Add Garlic and Marinara
Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic and the whole jar of marinara sauce. Simmer, stirring, until the sauce is heated through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Cook Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 212°F (boiling)
Drain Pasta
Drain the cooked spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Make Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Butter Casserole Dish
Spread the 4 tablespoons of butter evenly over the bottom of the deep casserole dish.
Time: PT2M
First Layer Assembly
Place half of the cooked spaghetti in the dish, spread the cheese mixture over it, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Time: PT5M
Second Layer and Sauce
Add the remaining spaghetti, pour the meat‑marinara sauce over the top, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F for 35‑40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 20 minutes.
Time: PT40M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest Before Serving
Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 660
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Comfort food, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken, Plant‑based ground meat
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, White onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: Tomato sauce with herbs
- Instead of Spaghetti: Penne, Fusilli
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Mascarpone
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Deep Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef until fully cooked
- Cook spaghetti al dente
- Mix cheese mixture until smooth
- Layer the casserole evenly
- Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, brown the beef with a splash of red wine before adding the sauce
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese layer
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for color and freshness
Troubleshooting
The casserole is dry after baking
Add a splash of milk or extra marinara sauce before baking next time.
Cheese didn’t melt fully
Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to finish browning.
Pasta is overcooked and mushy
Cook spaghetti al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package directions) since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the top mozzarella, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed
- The uncooked casserole can be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Million Dollar Spaghetti in American comfort food cuisine?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a modern take on classic baked pasta dishes that became popular in mid‑20th‑century American households, offering a hearty, economical meal that could feed large families and be stretched over several days.
What are the traditional regional variations of baked spaghetti dishes in Italian‑American cuisine?
In Italian‑American cooking, baked spaghetti often appears as “spaghetti casserole” with variations that include meatballs, different cheese blends, or a tomato‑based sauce enriched with herbs; some regions add ricotta layers while others use only mozzarella.
How is Million Dollar Spaghetti traditionally served in the Midwest United States?
Midwestern families typically serve it straight from the casserole dish, often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread, making it a staple for Sunday dinners and pot‑luck gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is Million Dollar Spaghetti traditionally associated with in Midwestern American culture?
It’s a go‑to dish for Sunday family meals, holiday leftovers, pot‑luck gatherings, and casual game‑day parties because it’s easy to make in bulk and reheats well.
How does Million Dollar Spaghetti fit into the broader Italian‑American cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Italian‑American love for pasta, tomato sauce, and generous cheese, while adapting to American preferences for convenience, larger portions, and the use of readily available ingredients like ground beef and cottage cheese.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, marinara sauce, spaghetti, ricotta, cottage cheese, Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey or plant‑based meat, gluten‑free pasta, dairy‑free cheese blends, and low‑sodium sauce.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple antipasto platter of olives and cured meats for a balanced meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Million Dollar Spaghetti at home?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, under‑seasoning the meat, using too little sauce which leads to dryness, and skipping the rest period after baking which can cause the casserole to fall apart when sliced.
Why does this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe use both ricotta and cottage cheese instead of just one cheese?
Combining ricotta’s creamy texture with cottage cheese’s slight tang creates a richer, more stable cheese layer that melts smoothly and adds moisture, preventing the casserole from becoming dry.
What does the YouTube channel Cookinginthemidwest specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cookinginthemidwest focuses on approachable, family‑friendly Midwest American recipes, emphasizing comfort foods, budget‑friendly meals, and step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Cookinginthemidwest's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Cookinginthemidwest emphasizes practical, large‑batch meals that suit Midwest pantry staples, often incorporating regional twists like using cottage cheese, and provides clear, no‑fluff instructions tailored to busy families.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
