Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s pure magic for busy days or whenever you crave cozy, hearty dinners. Imagine swirling your fork into rich layers of al dente spaghetti, luscious cheeses, and savory sauce — all slow-cooked together until bubbly and golden. Not only is this dish crazy-easy, it’s the kind of satisfying meal the whole family will ask for by name, again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti fundamentally shapes its rich flavors and iconic layers. Simple as they are, skipping any of these is like leaving a guest out of the party — each one brings something special, from creamy tang to savory depth.
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage): The savory base, delivering hearty depth that pairs perfectly with the velvety cheeses.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: Classic tomato tang elevates every bite and keeps all the flavors perfectly balanced.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds plush, creamy luxury, giving the casserole its signature richness.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta: For irresistibly creamy texture and a bit of tang; choose ricotta for an extra-indulgent finish.
- Sour cream: A secret ingredient that makes the cheese layer extra smooth and luscious.
- Garlic powder: Just the right punch of mellow garlic flavor, blended into every forkful.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in those classic Italian herbs — think oregano, basil, and thyme — for layered flavor.
- Spaghetti (uncooked, broken in half): Soaks up all the flavors and cooks perfectly right in the crockpot.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melty, stringy, glorious topping that everyone fights over.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds nutty, salty depth that finishes off the dish with a burst of umami.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for making sure all the other flavors shine.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze — don’t forget it!
How to Make Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by browning your ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s no longer pink and starting to get those tasty golden bits. Drain away any extra grease, then stir in your marinara sauce — this gorgeous meat sauce is the backbone of Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti, bringing everything together with rich, deep flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s super smooth and creamy — this is where the “million dollar” magic happens! This cheese mixture creates those unforgettable, silky layers.
Step 3: Prepare Your Crockpot
Give your crockpot a quick coat of nonstick spray. Trust me, this makes serving and cleanup so much easier later. Now get ready to layer up!
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Here’s the fun part: assembly! Spread one third of your meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Next, add half of the uncooked spaghetti, arranging it evenly (breaking it in half first makes this simple). Dollop and spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, the rest of the spaghetti, and the final portion of cheese mixture. Top it all off with the remaining meat sauce.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan all over the top. This crown of cheese is what gets you that beautiful golden, bubbly finish that makes Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti so irresistible.
Step 6: Slow Cook and Rest
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours. Check for tenderness at the 4-hour mark to avoid mushy pasta. You’ll know it’s perfect when the casserole is bubbling and the spaghetti is cooked through. Let it sit, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes before serving so the layers can set — this makes for glorious, scoopable servings.
How to Serve Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti
Garnishes
Take your Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti over the top with fresh basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or even a little red pepper flake for some heat. These little finishing touches add color and a burst of freshness that contrast perfectly with all that cheese.
Side Dishes
This dreamy casserole is hearty on its own but shines even brighter surrounded by easy sides. Think crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrette, warm garlic bread, or roasted veggies. They balance the richness and make dinner feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the spaghetti straight from the crockpot into shallow bowls for a cozy, family-style meal, or use a big serving spoon to layer it onto a platter and top with herb sprigs for a dinner-party vibe. For fun, try serving in individual ramekins — perfect for portion control and guaranteed smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti into airtight containers and pop them in the refrigerator. It’ll keep happily for up to 4 days. Those firm, flavorful layers actually get even better the next day!
Freezing
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully! Once cooled, package individual portions or the whole batch in freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to three months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot, or warm larger portions in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325 degrees. Add a splash of water or sauce if it looks a touch dry, and always finish with a bit more cheese on top, because why not?
FAQs
Can I use different noodles for Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes! While spaghetti is a classic, feel free to swap in other pasta like penne or rotini. Just note that cooking times may vary, and denser pasta shapes might need a little more sauce or cook time.
What’s the best cheese combo for true “million dollar” flavor?
A blend of full-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ultra-creamy ricotta), sour cream, and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan gives you that classic ultra-creamy, luxurious texture and deep, cheesy flavor.
Can I assemble Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti the night before?
Absolutely! Layer everything up the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just let the crockpot insert come to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before starting the cooking process to prevent cracking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef or sausage for plant-based crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or even a mix of diced veggies for a delicious meatless version — just be sure to caramelize them well for robust flavor.
How do I keep the spaghetti from getting mushy?
Checking at the 4-hour mark is essential. If your slow cooker runs hot, start testing earlier. Make sure not to overlayer pasta, and keep your cheese and sauce measurements generous to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dinner that’s hands-off, soul-warming, and absolutely packed with flavor, I can’t encourage you enough to try Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti. Every bite tastes like a special occasion — the hardest part is not sneaking seconds before everyone else!
Print
Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti. Layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich cheese mixture come together in a slow cooker for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 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
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess grease, and stir in marinara sauce. Set aside.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: Spray crockpot with nonstick spray. Layer 1/3 meat sauce, half of the uncooked spaghetti, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours until pasta is tender and casserole is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Check pasta around the 4-hour mark to prevent overcooking.
- For a golden top, add extra cheese and broil for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Crockpot spaghetti, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Pasta
