Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti—a creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting pasta bake that cooks itself up into a magical meal with layers of bold flavor. If you crave those cozy weeknight dinners that fill your home with amazing aromas and make everyone rush to the table, this is your recipe. The blend of savory sausage, velvety sauce, and lots of gooey cheese creates a dish that truly lives up to the “million dollar” name, while the Crock Pot takes care of all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding a family or wowing friends at a potluck, this Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti will quickly become your go-to for effortless comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how it takes simple, everyday ingredients—each with its own special role—and transforms them into something extraordinary. Every layer and every bite counts, and the right combo ensures your Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out creamy, flavorful, and irresistible.
- Italian sausage meat: Gives the spaghetti flavor and depth; use mild for a family-friendly dish or hot if you like a little kick.
- Marinara sauce: The backbone of the sauce, providing rich tomato flavor and tying all the layers together.
- Water: Essential for cooking the spaghetti noodles to a perfect tender bite inside the slow cooker.
- Spaghetti: Classic pasta that holds up well during slow cooking—breaking the noodles ensures even softness in every serving.
- Cream cheese: The secret to luscious, creamy layers that taste luxurious without any fuss.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and lightness to balance all that richness, creating a silkier texture in the cheesy filling.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant staple, this brings those essential herby notes that take the whole dish up a notch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, irresistible topper—don’t be shy with this one!
- Chopped parsley: Not just for garnish—fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and add your Italian sausage meat—make sure the casings are removed. Break up the sausage as it cooks, letting it brown and develop lots of flavor. This step adds that rich, meaty base that really sets the whole dish up for success.
Step 2: Layer Sauce and Water
Pour half of your marinara sauce and half a cup of water directly into the bottom of your Crock Pot. This simple layer keeps the pasta from sticking and helps cook the noodles perfectly as they soften up in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the First Layer of Pasta
Take half of your uncooked spaghetti noodles and break them in half—you want to make sure they fit nicely and cook evenly. Scatter these pieces as evenly as possible over the sauce in your Crock Pot.
Step 4: Add the Sausage Layer
Once your sausage is fully cooked and crumbled, spoon it over the broken spaghetti noodles. This creates a hearty, savory layer that infuses every bite with flavor.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until everything is smooth—it should be creamy and easy to scoop. This mixture turns the center of your Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti into a meltingly rich, almost lasagna-like layer.
Step 6: Layer and Spread the Creamy Filling
Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture all over the sausage in the Crock Pot. Then, use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, covering as much of the sausage as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—swirls and pockets of creamy cheese sauce are half the fun.
Step 7: Add More Pasta
Break the remaining spaghetti noodles in half and distribute them over the cream cheese mixture. Try to spread them evenly, so they cook at the same rate and absorb all that saucy goodness.
Step 8: Finish with Sauce and Water
Pour the rest of the marinara sauce on top, along with the remaining cup of water. This ensures every strand of spaghetti cooks up tender and flavorful, bathing everything in tangy tomato goodness.
Step 9: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your Crock Pot and set it to LOW. Let it cook for about 2.5 hours—resist the urge to peak, as the trapped steam works wonders here.
Step 10: Add Mozzarella and Finish Cooking
After 2.5 hours, lift the lid and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the top. Return the lid and let it cook for another 30 minutes, just long enough to melt that cheese into a gooey, bubbling crown.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Once your Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is ready, finish it off by sprinkling with a hearty handful of chopped parsley. The pop of green is gorgeous—and the freshness is the perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti
Garnishes
Nothing beats a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness, but you can also add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a bit of crushed red pepper if you like a touch of heat. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil or a shower of fresh basil also gives your Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti an extra-special feel at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish is pure comfort, but it loves extra company! Pair it with a simple green salad—think crisp romaine or peppery arugula with a lemony vinaigrette—for just the right balance. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are a must for mopping up every last bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce. Want a little more veggie? Roast some broccoli or toss together a tomato-cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, serve the Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti straight from the slow cooker for a fun, relaxed family-dinner vibe. For something a bit more special, spoon it into individual ramekins and broil with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, portion it out onto plates and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta and a sprig of fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them into airtight containers. Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify as it sits, making lunch the next day a real treat.
Freezing
This spaghetti is a freezer superstar! Simply divide the cooled leftovers into single-serving containers or freeze an entire batch in a baking dish. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm portions in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep things moist, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. For larger portions, the oven works wonders—cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until piping hot throughout. The cheesy topping may brown up again, adding extra flavor!
FAQs
Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds lots of flavor, you can swap in ground beef, ground turkey, or a mix—just be sure to season well and brown thoroughly for best results.
Will gluten-free spaghetti work in this recipe?
Yes, it will, but be sure to choose a sturdy gluten-free pasta (such as corn or brown rice) and keep an eye on cooking times. Some alternative pastas cook a bit quicker, so check for doneness at the 2-hour mark.
Can I make Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the sausage and instead sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a hearty, meat-free layer. Opt for your favorite vegetarian marinara to keep everything savory and satisfying.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy in the Crock Pot?
The secret is to not over-stir and to use the LOW setting as directed. Breaking the noodles and layering them with other ingredients keeps texture just right—perfectly tender, never mushy.
Can I assemble this ahead and cook later?
Absolutely! You can layer everything in the Crock Pot insert (without turning it on) the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the base, set to LOW, and let dinner cook itself while you go about your day.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bubbling slow-cooker pasta that draws everyone to the dinner table. With its cozy flavors and creamy, cheesy layers, Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti is always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a whirl and see why it’s so beloved—you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Print
Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent and comforting dish with this Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe. Layers of Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and marinara sauce come together with spaghetti in a slow cooker for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb Italian sausage meat, casings removed
- 48 oz marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 lb spaghetti
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: Dump the Italian sausage meat into a skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage well as it cooks.
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Pour half of the marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of your Crock Pot.
- Layer the Spaghetti: Break half of the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and spread them out in the Crock Pot. Add the cooked sausage on top.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Spread the mixture over the sausage in the Crock Pot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Break the remaining spaghetti noodles in half and layer them in the pot. Pour the remaining marinara sauce and water over the spaghetti.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 hours. Afterward, add shredded mozzarella on top and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or additional seasonings.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Spaghetti, Italian Sausage Spaghetti, Creamy Spaghetti
