Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without fuss. Layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese mixtures, and tender slow-cooked spaghetti come together for a dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and stir in marinara sauce. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray. Layer as follows: spread 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom, then half of the uncooked spaghetti, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
- Step 4: Repeat the layers—remaining spaghetti and cheese mixture—then top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Step 5: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until the pasta is tender and the casserole is bubbly.
- Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Scoop and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Check the pasta around the 4-hour mark to avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy.
- Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- For a golden, crispy top, sprinkle extra cheese and place the casserole under a broiler for a few minutes if your crockpot insert is oven-safe.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or sauce if it seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes, Italian sausage adds extra flavor and works perfectly in this recipe. Just brown it the same way as ground beef before adding the sauce.
Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti?
No, the spaghetti cooks in the crockpot along with the other ingredients. Breaking the uncooked spaghetti in half helps it cook evenly within the slow cooker.
PrintCrockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty slow-cooked casserole combining ground beef, marinara sauce, cream cheese, and a blend of other rich cheeses with tender spaghetti. This one-pot comfort food is perfect for busy days, offering minimal prep and maximum flavor with a luscious texture that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meat Sauce Layer
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the marinara or pasta sauce. Set this meat sauce mixture aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray. Start by spreading one-third of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the uncooked spaghetti evenly on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top layer of meat sauce.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. The spaghetti should be tender, and the casserole bubbly and hot.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set for easier scooping and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- Check the casserole around the 4-hour mark to avoid overcooking and mushy pasta.
- Use full-fat dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream for the best creamy texture.
- For an extra golden top, sprinkle additional cheese and broil briefly if your crockpot insert is oven-safe.
- Feel free to substitute Italian sausage for ground beef to add extra flavor.
- This recipe is best served warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: crockpot spaghetti, million dollar spaghetti, slow cooker pasta casserole, creamy spaghetti casserole, cheesy spaghetti, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian casserole, ground beef pasta
