Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is an easy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Rich with Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and classic marinara, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker do the work while you relax.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage meat, casings removed
• 48 oz marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Italian sausage meat in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks until fully browned.
2. Step 2: Pour half of the marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of your Crock Pot.
3. Step 3: Break half of the spaghetti noodles in half and spread them evenly in the Crock Pot.
4. Step 4: Spoon the cooked sausage evenly over the noodles.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the sausage, then spread it out evenly.
7. Step 7: Break the remaining spaghetti noodles in half and layer them evenly in the Crock Pot.
8. Step 8: Pour the remaining marinara sauce and 1 cup of water over the noodles.
9. Step 9: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 2.5 hours.
10. Step 10: Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
11. Step 11: Replace the lid and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
12. Step 12: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
• Substitute half of the spaghetti with penne or rigatoni for a different pasta texture.
• If you prefer, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
• Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving enhances the dish’s richness.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese and sour cream components.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef or even ground turkey can be substituted if you prefer a milder flavor or want a leaner option.

Do I need to cook the spaghetti noodles before adding them to the Crock Pot?

No, the broken dry spaghetti noodles cook directly in the Crock Pot as the dish simmers, absorbing flavors and becoming tender.

Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 144 reviews

Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and cheesy slow-cooked pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and marinara sauce. This comforting casserole combines layers of broken spaghetti noodles, savory sausage, and a rich cream cheese mixture, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal waiting for you.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 lb Italian sausage meat, casings removed

Sauces and Dairy

• 48 oz marinara sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta

• 1 lb spaghetti

Liquids

• 1 1/2 cups water (divided: 1/2 cup and 1 cup)

Seasonings and Garnish

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage: Dump the Italian sausage meat into a skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage well as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
2. Prepare the base layer: Pour half of the marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of your Crock Pot, spreading it evenly.
3. Add the first layer of noodles: Take half of the uncooked spaghetti noodles, break them in half, and place them evenly over the sauce in the Crock Pot.
4. Layer the sausage: Spoon the cooked sausage evenly over the broken noodles.
5. Mix the creamy topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until smooth and fully combined.
6. Add the cream cheese mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the sausage in the Crock Pot, then gently spread it out as evenly as possible using the back of the spoon.
7. Add the second noodle layer: Break the remaining spaghetti noodles in half and spread them evenly over the cream cheese layer.
8. Add remaining sauce and water: Pour the remaining marinara sauce and 1 cup of water evenly over the noodles.
9. Cook: Place the lid on the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 2.5 hours.
10. Add cheese: After cooking, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the spaghetti.
11. Melt cheese: Replace the lid and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
12. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Breaking the spaghetti noodles in half helps them fit better in the Crock Pot and cook evenly.
• Be sure to crumble the sausage thoroughly and cook it completely before adding to the slow cooker to ensure it’s safe to eat.
• If you prefer, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
• For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
• If the dish is too thick after cooking, you can stir in a little extra water or marinara sauce to loosen it up.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.

Keywords: Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Italian Sausage Pasta, Creamy Spaghetti, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food