Description

This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Spaghetti combines tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a rich, creamy cheese layer into one comforting crockpot pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers all the flavor of spaghetti and lasagna with hands-off ease.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb spaghetti, uncooked
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter, cut into slices
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Tools:

6-quart slow cooker
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara and tomato sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix the cheese layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
Layer in the slow cooker: Spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom. Break uncooked spaghetti in half and layer over the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over pasta, then top with more sauce. Repeat layers, ending with sauce.
Add butter and cook: Place butter slices on top. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, until pasta is tender.
Finish with cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Cover to melt, then garnish with basil or parsley.

Notes

Variations: Double mozzarella for extra cheesiness; use shredded chicken instead of beef for a chicken cream cheese pasta version.
Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Tips: Use uncooked pasta to absorb sauce flavor; check pasta at the 3-hour mark to avoid mushiness; soften cream cheese for smooth blending.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of sauce or water.
Common mistakes: Avoid adding too much liquid; skip thin pasta to prevent overcooking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice/portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Million Dollar Spaghetti, Crockpot cheesy spaghetti, Crockpot pasta recipe with ground beef, Chicken cream cheese pasta crock pot, Best crockpot recipes, Comfort food pasta