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One-Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti — Italian-American Pasta recipe, 38 min, serves 6Italian-American

One-Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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High protein

The casserole-style classic transformed into one-pot magic — beef, spaghetti, marinara, and a hidden ricotta-cream-cheese layer all in one pan, finished under the broiler.

38
min
10
prep
🔥
28
cook
👥
6
servings
620
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

In an oven-safe Dutch oven, brown beef with onion over medium-high heat, 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, cook 60 seconds.

7:00
2

Stir in marinara, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.

3

Add broken spaghetti, pushing to submerge. Reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12-14 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes.

13:00
💡 Breaking spaghetti is heresy in Italy but practical here — it fits in the pot and cooks evenly.
4

While pasta cooks: mix ricotta, softened cream cheese, and parsley until smooth.

5

When pasta is al dente, dollop ricotta mixture over the top. Don't stir in — keep the layer.

6

Sprinkle mozzarella over everything. Broil 3-4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and spotted brown.

4:00
💡 If your pot isn't oven-safe, transfer to a baking dish before topping with cheese.

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Common Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes — they're leaner so add 1 tbsp olive oil to compensate.
What pasta if no spaghetti?
Penne or rotini — both shapes work and don't need breaking.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes — sauté 1 cup mushrooms or 2 cups baby spinach with the onion.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Chianti Classico or Barbera d'Asti — Italy's medium-bodied reds match tomato acidity perfectly.
🍺
Beer
Italian pilsner like Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
🍸
Cocktail
Aperol Spritz — bitter-sweet aperitif balances rich pasta.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon and a sprig of basil.

Why this recipe works

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The story behind this recipe ▾
Million Dollar Spaghetti emerged in 1990s American church-cookbook culture as a casserole. The one-pot version is faster and uses the pasta starch to create a saucier final dish.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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