Why is it called million dollar spaghetti?

Million dollar spaghetti is named for its rich, creamy, and satisfying flavor. It’s not about cost, but about the experience. The creamy cheese filling, savory ground turkey, and bubbling mozzarella make it feel like a high-end dish, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

How to make million dollar spaghetti?

To make million dollar spaghetti, start by boiling spaghetti noodles until just al dente. Brown ground turkey with onion and garlic, then stir in marinara sauce. Mix softened cream cheese with ricotta in a separate bowl. In a baking dish, layer the noodles, cheese mix, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 minutes.

What is million dollar spaghetti?

Million dollar spaghetti is a layered baked spaghetti casserole that combines tender noodles, a creamy cheese center, seasoned meat, and melted cheese. This million dollar spaghetti recipe delivers the comfort of lasagna with the ease of baked pasta. It’s a favorite in busy kitchens because it can be made ahead and still tastes amazing.

How long to bake million dollar spaghetti?

Bake million dollar spaghetti uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden, it’s ready. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing so the layers can hold their shape.

Is million dollar spaghetti the same as baked spaghetti?

Million dollar spaghetti is a version of baked spaghetti with a creamy layer in the center. That layer makes all the difference. While both are baked pasta dishes, the cream cheese or ricotta in this recipe adds a richness that classic baked spaghetti doesn’t have.

Million Dollar Spaghetti: 5 Easy Steps to Make It

Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Million dollar spaghetti is the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and meaty baked pasta that brings comforting flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained

1 lb ground turkey

1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Cook spaghetti until just al dente, drain, and toss with butter.

3. In a pan, brown ground turkey with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Add marinara sauce to the turkey and let simmer for 10 minutes.

5. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and ricotta until smooth.

6. Layer half the spaghetti in the baking dish.

7. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.

8. Add half of the meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella.

9. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella.

10. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

11. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can make this dish ahead and refrigerate overnight.

Freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg