If you are craving a meal that combines comfort, simplicity, and irresistible flavor, then you have to try the Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. This dish brings together hearty Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all slow-cooked together for hours, allowing flavors to deepen and marry beautifully without any fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe provides that soul-satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients. Each element is essential to creating that rich, creamy texture and those bold, comforting flavors that make this dish so popular. From the spicy Italian sausage that adds depth, to the combination of cheeses that bring velvety richness, every ingredient plays a starring role.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: I prefer Johnsonville mild for its perfect balance of flavor and spice that won’t overpower the dish.
- 48 oz marinara sauce: Rao’s marinara gives this recipe a robust, authentic Italian flavor with a rich tomato base.
- 1.75 cups water: Essential for creating the perfect pasta cooking environment in your crockpot.
- 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half: Breaking the spaghetti ensures even cooking and better layering in the crockpot.
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy deliciousness for that classic comfort-food appeal.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note that brightens every bite once the dish is finished.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Creates the signature creaminess that makes the sauce rich and silky.
- 1 cup sour cream: I always use Daisy for its superior creaminess that blends beautifully with the cream cheese.
- 2.5 tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that infuses the whole dish with classic Italian flair.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Provides a subtle punch of garlic flavor without overwhelming the other spices.
How to Make Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Begin by removing the casing from your Italian sausage and browning it in a skillet over medium heat. This step develops rich flavor and gives the sausage a pleasant texture, which will add complexity to the final dish. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Mix the Sauces and Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, water, cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well to integrate all the creamy and savory elements. This mixture will serve as the luscious base that envelops every strand of spaghetti with flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your crockpot to prevent sticking. Pour half of the sauce mixture into the bottom to create a flavorful base layer. Then add half of the broken spaghetti, followed by half of the cooked sausage, and some mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining sauce, spaghetti, sausage, and cheese in layers to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the pasta to absorb the saucy creaminess perfectly while melding the spices and cheese into a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid opening the lid too often to keep the heat steady.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to combine the layers, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a vibrant color and fresh flavor. The mozzarella will be luxuriously melted, and the sauce thick and creamy, making the Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe ready to serve.
How to Serve Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness to balance the richness. For a little extra indulgence, consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or some red pepper flakes on top to add a hint of sharpness or heat.
Side Dishes
This spaghetti pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or a simple roasted vegetable medley. The light, fresh sides complement the creamy pasta, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a golden crust. Alternatively, layering it with fresh basil leaves just before serving adds a fresh aroma and an elegant touch for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure the spaghetti is cooled completely before sealing to keep the texture intact and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and enjoy it like it’s freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be milder. To mimic the sausage seasoning, add a bit of fennel and red pepper flakes to the meat while cooking.
Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti before adding it to the crockpot?
No need to pre-cook the spaghetti. Breaking it and layering it in the crockpot with enough liquid lets it cook perfectly during the slow cooking process without becoming mushy.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese or sour cream?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a similar creamy effect. Greek yogurt is a good alternative to sour cream but add it after cooking to prevent curdling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as is, because of the traditional spaghetti. However, you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to make the recipe friendly to gluten-intolerant eaters without sacrificing taste.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to handle the doubled ingredients for even cooking. You might need to increase the cooking time slightly and check pasta doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, the Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is a no-brainer. It’s one of those meals that feels lovingly homemade with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends on any occasion.
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Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot meal combining Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is perfect for an easy family dinner with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably Johnsonville mild)
- 48 oz marinara sauce (such as Rao’s for richer taste)
- 1.75 cups water
- 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half to fit the crockpot
- 2.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (about 70°F)
- 1 cup sour cream (preferably Daisy for creamier texture)
- 2.5 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and transfer the cooked sausage to the crockpot.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the marinara sauce and water into the crockpot with the sausage. Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder until combined.
- Add Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half for even cooking and place it into the crockpot, pressing it down gently to submerge it as much as possible into the sauce mixture.
- Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the top, then dollop the sour cream evenly across the surface without stirring.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and to incorporate the cheeses evenly.
- Add Mozzarella and Final Stir: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, re-cover, and allow it to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the spaghetti is tender, stir gently to combine everything. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half ensures even cooking in the crockpot and fits better in the pot.
- Using Rao’s marinara sauce adds a richer, more authentic flavor to the dish.
- Softening cream cheese before adding prevents clumps and helps it incorporate smoothly.
- Stirring halfway through cooking avoids pasta sticking to the bottom and ensures even cheese distribution.
- This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
