Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti} Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti, also known as Million Dollar Spaghetti, is a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. With a rich meat sauce slow-cooked to perfection and creamy cheeses layered on top, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

• 48 oz. pasta sauce (such as Ragu Old World Style, Newman’s Own Marinara, or Rao’s Marinara)
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 lb. spaghetti noodles (uncooked, see instructions)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 cup)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt (for cheese mixture)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the jars of pasta sauce into the slow cooker. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion together. Once browned, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
2. Step 2: Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, then stir to combine. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the sauce and stir well.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours, keeping the lid closed during cooking.
4. Step 4: After 6 hours, cook the spaghetti noodles on the stove according to package directions, typically boiling for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the noodles well.
5. Step 5: Add the drained noodles to the slow cooker with the meat sauce and stir to combine. Press the noodles into an even layer.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ricotta, and 1/4 tsp salt. It’s okay if the cream cheese remains in small chunks.
7. Step 7: Dollop the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then spread it gently using a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
8. Step 8: Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 20 minutes to melt and blend the cheeses.
9. Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, hearty baked spaghetti.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while browning the beef.
• Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef if preferred.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers instead.

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. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta instead of uncooked?

It’s best to use uncooked pasta that is briefly cooked just before adding to the slow cooker, as it will continue to absorb sauce and cook during the final baking stage. Pre-cooked pasta may become mushy.

What if I don’t have ricotta or cream cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese and use sour cream instead of cream cheese for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti} Recipe

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This Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti, also known as Million Dollar Spaghetti, is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish that combines rich marinara sauce, browned ground beef, tender spaghetti noodles, and a creamy blend of cheeses. The slow cooker method infuses deep flavors during a 6-hour simmer, followed by a final bake with creamy ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a luscious finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal with minimal hands-on time.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Sauce and Meat

• 48 oz. Pasta Sauce (Such as Ragu Old World Style, Newman’s Own Marinara, or Rao’s Marinara)
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried basil

Pasta

• 1 lb. spaghetti noodles

Cheese Mixture

• 4 ounces cream cheese (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce and Meat: Pour the jars of pasta sauce into the slow cooker. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced white onion together. Once the meat is browned, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain the fat from the skillet. Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine before transferring the meat mixture into the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients.
2. Slow Cook Sauce and Meat: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours, making sure not to open the lid during this time to retain heat and moisture.
3. Cook Spaghetti Noodles: When the slow cooking time is complete, cook the spaghetti noodles on the stove-top in boiling water according to package directions, typically about 8 minutes for al dente. The noodles will continue to soften slightly in the slow cooker later.
4. Add Noodles to Sauce: Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the slow cooker with the meat sauce. Stir gently to combine, then use a spatula to flatten the noodles evenly over the sauce.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. The cream cheese will likely remain in small chunks—it doesn’t need to be completely smooth.
6. Top Spaghetti with Cheese: Dollop the cream cheese and ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to even out the cheese layer over the noodles. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Final Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for an additional 20 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
8. Serve: Once done, serve the baked spaghetti hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish.

Notes

• Do not open the slow cooker lid during the initial 6-hour cooking to maintain temperature and moisture.
• The noodles are pre-cooked before adding to the slow cooker to prevent them from becoming mushy or underdone.
• You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef if desired.
• For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture while browning.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: slow cooker spaghetti, baked spaghetti, million dollar spaghetti, slow cooker pasta, cheesy spaghetti recipe, comfort food, easy slow cooker meals