One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti
One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a show-stopping comfort food classic reimagined for modern, busy kitchens.
Inspired by the traditional million dollar spaghetti bake, this one pot version combines everything you love about the original—creamy, cheesy layers, rich tomato sauce, and savory ground meat—into a single pan for maximum convenience and minimal cleanup.
The origins of million dollar spaghetti can be traced to Southern potluck traditions, where home cooks sought to impress with decadent, crowd-pleasing casseroles.
By adapting this favorite to a one pot method, we unlock the same irresistible flavors with even greater ease, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
What sets One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti apart is the way each element melds into the next—the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing layers of tomato flavor, while dollops of cream cheese and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella create a melting, cohesive casserole right on the stovetop.
This dish is perfect for feeding a family or a hungry crowd, offering comfort in every bite.
For more on classic Italian-American pasta traditions, check out this overview of Italian pasta dishes at Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/italian-pasta-recipes-5118408. Whether you’re making it for the first time or seeking new inspiration for a favorite recipe, this One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 jar (24 ounces/680g) marinara or pasta sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions for Making One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion to the meat and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the broken spaghetti to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low. Dollop softened cream cheese and sour cream into the pot, stirring gently until fully melted and combined with the sauce.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half the Parmesan. Mix until cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover with a lid and let sit on low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is indulgent, but with mindful choices it can suit various nutritional needs. On average, one serving (based on 6 servings per recipe) contains approximately 560 calories, 25g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 29g fat.
The cheese provides a source of calcium and protein, while the marinara sauce offers lycopene and other antioxidants from tomatoes. Using lean ground beef or turkey can reduce saturated fat, and whole-wheat spaghetti may boost fiber content for improved digestion.
To further lighten the meal, low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt can replace traditional dairy options.
For full nutrition values of common pasta ingredients and how they impact your diet, visit the USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/. For those managing sodium intake, opt for reduced-salt broth and cheese, and be mindful of jarred marinara brands, as sodium content varies.
If you’re vegetarian, swapping in hearty lentils or plant-based crumbles keeps the protein high while reducing cholesterol.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti
Pairing beverages with One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti enhances the dining experience by complementing its rich, cheesy flavors. A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Merlot, or Sangiovese offers acidity and depth to cut through the creaminess and balance the tomato sauce.
If you prefer white wine, go for a dry, crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a homemade iced herbal tea. Craft beers such as a light lager or amber ale work beautifully with pasta as well.
Cooking Tips and Variations
One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is endlessly adaptable. For a heartier meal, try substituting ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for the ground beef or sausage. Vegetarians can omit meat entirely and stir in sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Don’t hesitate to use different pasta shapes—penne or rigatoni work well and absorb sauce beautifully. If you crave extra vegetables, add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or shredded carrots during the simmering stage. For a lighter version, go for low-fat dairy options and whole-wheat spaghetti.
You can layer the final cheese on top and broil the pot (if oven-safe) for a bubbly, golden finish. Emphasize gentle stirring once the pasta goes in, as this keeps the noodles from sticking or clumping.
If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is tender, add a splash of warm broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Make ahead tips: assemble through step 6, cool, and refrigerate; when ready to serve, reheat gently and finish with cheese as directed.
This recipe is also freezer-friendly: simply cool, portion into containers, and freeze for up to two months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti straight from the pot to capture its melty cheese and creamy layers. A simple side salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast and balances the richness of the main dish.
Garlic bread or warm Italian rolls are ideal for mopping up the irresistible sauce. For family gatherings, consider doubling the recipe and serving with a colorful roasted vegetable platter.
For a more elegant touch, plate each portion into shallow bowls and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, then garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for color and fragrance.
Since this dish comes together in one pan, it’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners when time is tight. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth.
If serving at a casual event, keep the pot warm on the stove or in a low-temperature oven so guests can help themselves. For kids, you can portion out and sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top, letting them enjoy the cheese pull to the fullest.
One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti Health Benefits
One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti can be adapted for a healthier lifestyle. Opting for lean ground meat or plant-based alternatives reduces saturated fat and cholesterol, while using part-skim cheeses decreases overall fat without sacrificing flavor. Adding extra vegetables boosts fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, improving the meal’s nutritional profile.
Whole-grain pasta enhances satiety and supports heart and digestive health.
Lycopene in cooked tomato sauce has been associated with reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases according to studies cited by the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/what-is-lycopene). Preparing One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti at home allows you to control sodium and sugar levels present in some premade sauces.
Adapting ingredients to include more plant-based elements makes it suitable for vegetarians or those with specific dietary needs.
FAQs About One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti
Can I make One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Can I use other pasta shapes for One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, short pastas like penne or rotini work just as well and absorb the sauce beautifully. Cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Allow leftovers to cool, place in airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Can I prepare One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish through mixing in the dairy, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently, top with remaining cheeses, and melt before serving.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, cool the finished spaghetti completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti captures the best of comfort food: creamy, cheesy spaghetti meets the ease of one pot cooking. Its simple preparation, crowd-pleasing flavors, and make-ahead potential make it a must-try for families and entertainers alike. With countless options for customizing the ingredients and adapting to dietary needs, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to weeknight favorite. Bring the taste of tradition and the convenience of modern cooking into your kitchen with this One Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe—and enjoy delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- 12 oz dried spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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2Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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3Pour in marinara sauce and water (or beef broth), then bring mixture to a gentle boil. Add uncooked spaghetti, making sure it is submerged in the liquid.
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4Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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5Reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta and cream cheese until creamy and well combined. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let melt for 2-3 minutes.
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6Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, straight from the pot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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