This creamy million dollar spaghetti is a cozy meal that’s sure to impress! With rich and cheesy goodness, plus a touch of garlic and spices, it’s a tasty dish everyone will enjoy.
I love how comforting this spaghetti is—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! Perfect for family dinners or when you’re feeling fancy but want something easy to make. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works great, but you can swap it for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.
Ground Beef: I love using beef for its rich flavor. Ground turkey or chicken is a lighter alternative. You can also use plant-based meat if you’re going vegetarian!
Cream Soups: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using low-fat cream of mushroom and chicken soup or make your own from scratch. They add creaminess but can be replaced with homemade cheesy sauces.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to add protein and tang. Skip the mayonnaise or use an avocado mash for creaminess.
C cheeses: Cheddar is delicious, but you can switch it with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend. For a twist, try using feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Spaghetti is Perfectly Creamy?
To achieve that rich, creamy texture in your million dollar spaghetti, follow these steps:
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente so it holds up in the oven. Drain it right after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic and onion slowly to develop a great base flavor.
- Combine all cream-based ingredients well. This helps to avoid clumps and ensures even creaminess throughout.
Lastly, let your dish cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier!
Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 45 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics and Beef:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Then, toss in the diced onion and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Now, add the ground beef to the pan, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s well browned. Don’t forget to break it up with a spoon while it cooks! Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the beef mixture. Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks delicious!
4. Bake the Dish:
Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out. For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down. Before serving, sprinkle with some chopped parsley or green onions if you like. Dig in, and enjoy this comforting and creamy million dollar spaghetti!
This dish is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying some leftovers the next day!
FAQ for Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you’d like to make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, like lentils or diced mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. Just bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even reheating.
