Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with rich, cheesy layers? This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect combination of tender pasta, savory ground turkey, creamy cheese, and flavorful marinara, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family, a gathering, or even meal prepping for the week, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings and leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive in and explore how to make this irresistible dish!
What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a decadent baked pasta dish that combines the best elements of traditional spaghetti with the indulgence of creamy, cheesy layers. Picture this: perfectly cooked spaghetti layered with ground turkey, marinara sauce, and a luxurious cheese mixture made from heavy cream, mozzarella, and cheddar, then baked until bubbly and golden. It's a casserole-style dish that's loaded with flavor and designed to impress—hence the "million dollar" name.
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti
To make this rich and flavorful dish, you’ll need a combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb spaghetti – The base of this dish; use regular spaghetti or whole wheat for added fiber.
- 1 lb ground turkey – A lean yet flavorful option for your protein, though you can substitute it with beef or chicken if you prefer.
- 1 small onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- 12 garlic cloves, chopped & divided – Garlic infuses the sauce and pasta with aromatic flavor.
- ½ green pepper, chopped – Provides a slight crunch and brightens up the dish.
- 28 oz marinara sauce – A high-quality marinara sauce will elevate the flavor; you can use store-bought or homemade.
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Tony’s Creole seasoning, divided – Adds a spicy, savory kick that makes this dish unique.
- 2 teaspoon onion powder & garlic powder, divided – Enhances the flavor of the sauce and meat.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning & smoked paprika – Brings warmth and a hint of smokiness to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional for those who like a bit of heat.
- 4 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami-rich bite to the creamy cheese layer.
- 6 tablespoon butter – Melted into the creamy sauce for richness.
- 2.5 cups heavy cream – The base of the cheese sauce, making it ultra-creamy.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Provides sharpness and richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into the dish for that signature gooey, cheesy texture.
- Salt & pepper to taste – To balance and enhance the flavors.
- For garnish: dried parsley flakes – A sprinkle on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’d like to tweak the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground turkey: Feel free to swap the ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or pork, depending on your preference.
- Marinara sauce: If you want a heartier, more robust sauce, use a meat-based marinara or add some cooked sausage to your meat mixture.
- Cheeses: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, you can experiment with gouda, provolone, or even ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Pasta: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, whole wheat spaghetti, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb version.
- Vegetables: Add extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to pack in more nutrients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to make this comforting masterpiece? Let’s go step by step through the process:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and 6 cloves of garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the ground turkey: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the remaining olive oil. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Season with 1 tablespoon of Tony’s Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the turkey mixture. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the creamy cheese mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the remaining 6 cloves of chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the Parmesan, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the remaining Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your sauce, meat, and creamy cheese mixture are ready, it’s time to assemble and bake:
- Layer the dish: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti as the first layer. Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta, spreading it evenly. Then, pour half of the creamy cheese mixture on top of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: Add the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finish by pouring the rest of the cheese mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top for a pop of color before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy during baking.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the meat and sauce layers. The spices are what make this dish stand out.
- Not letting the dish rest: Let the casserole sit for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just delicious, but it can also be presented beautifully. Here are some serving ideas:
- Individual servings: Use small ramekins to create individual portions before baking for an elegant presentation.
- Family-style serving: Serve straight from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top and add a few fresh cherry tomatoes for added color and brightness.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti
Pair this rich dish with lighter sides to balance the meal:
- Garlic bread: A crispy, buttery side to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Salad: A fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the heaviness of the casserole.
- Roasted vegetables: Consider roasting some broccoli, zucchini, or carrots to add more veggies to the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti
To impress your guests, you can get creative with the presentation of this dish:
- Layered glass dishes: Bake the spaghetti in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers.
- Cast-iron skillet: For a rustic, homestyle feel, use a cast-iron skillet for both baking and serving.
- Sprinkle of red pepper flakes: Add a touch of red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and spice.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the entire dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes well! After assembling, wrap the dish in foil and freeze. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding about 15 minutes to the baking time.
- Adjust the spice: If you’re serving kids or people who don’t like spice, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper and Creole seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds up well in a baked dish.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Just swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. With its creamy, cheesy layers and savory ground turkey filling, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and see why it's called "million dollar"—it's worth every bite!
PrintMillion Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a cheesy, hearty casserole dish made with tender spaghetti, flavorful ground turkey, and rich marinara sauce. It's packed with layers of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, with a creamy sauce that elevates this classic comfort food. The addition of Creole seasoning and Italian spices gives it a unique, bold flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 12 garlic cloves, chopped & divided
- ½ green pepper, chopped
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Tony's Creole seasoning, divided
- 2 tsp onion powder & garlic powder, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning & smoked paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Dried parsley flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a pan, sauté half the garlic with onion and green pepper until soft. Add ground turkey, season with 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce, let simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter with 2 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining garlic, and heavy cream. Stir in 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a baking dish, layer half the cooked spaghetti, then add half the sauce and turkey mixture. Top with half the Parmesan cheese and cream mixture. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with cream sauce and Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with dried parsley.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken for a different flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of recipe
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 960mg
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