Delicious Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti served in a bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a fantastic dish that combines all the flavors you love in a rich spaghetti meal. It offers the taste of lasagna without the hassle of layering ingredients. This recipe uses a slow cooker, which means it does the hard work for you. You can set it and forget it while you go about your day. When you return, you will have a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal ready to serve. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti

Making Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is quite simple. Here's how to do it step by step.

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
½ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 oz spaghetti, broken in half (uncooked)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until it is fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.
Stir in the marinara sauce with the cooked meat and set this mixture aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth.
Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier.
Now, it's time to layer the ingredients in the crockpot. Start with ⅓ of the meat sauce as the first layer.
Add half of the uncooked spaghetti on top of the meat sauce.
Layer half of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then the uncooked spaghetti, and ending with the remaining meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of meat sauce.
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until the pasta is tender, and the casserole is bubbly.
Once done, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help everything set a little so it's easier to scoop.

How to Serve Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti

Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is best served hot and bubbly. You can scoop it right out of the crockpot into bowls. Pair it with a big green salad or garlic bread for a full meal. If you want, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan or fresh herbs on top for added flavor. Everyone at the table will enjoy this comforting dish.

How to Store Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. Just add a little water or sauce to keep it from drying out.

Tips to Make Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti

Beef Choices: You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or even turkey. They all work well, and the sausage adds extra flavor.
Cheese Options: Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese if you like! Cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses can add a fun twist.
Vegetable Additions: Consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for more nutrients and flavor.
Even Cooking: Make sure to break the spaghetti in half; this helps it fit better in the crockpot and cook evenly.

Variation (if any)

You can easily turn Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti into a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat. Instead, use a mix of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to get that heartiness without meat. You can use store-bought marinara sauce to keep it easy.

FAQs

1. Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, if you prefer to cook on HIGH, you can do so for about 2-3 hours. Just keep an eye on it to ensure the pasta doesn't overcook.

2. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed according to the package instructions.

3. Can I freeze Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delicious, easy meal that can satisfy everyone. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's perfect for beginner cooks and busy families alike. This dish brings all the comfort of Italian flavors into one pot. Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try tonight?