Slow Cooker 5 Ingredient Million Dollar Spaghetti

This easy slow cooker Million Dollar Spaghetti is the kind of comforting family dinner that has earned a spot at potlucks, reunions, and busy weeknight tables for decades. Made with just five main ingredients, this cheesy spaghetti casserole combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy pockets of cream cheese, and bubbly melted mozzarella.

The slow cooker makes this 5-ingredient spaghetti casserole especially convenient. Once the beef and sauce are prepared, everything is layered directly in the crockpot and cooked until the spaghetti is tender and the flavors come together.

Serve this slow cooker spaghetti casserole with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or fruit salad for an easy family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Spaghetti

• Only 5 main ingredients: Simple pantry and refrigerator staples keep the recipe affordable and easy.
• Easy weeknight dinner: The slow cooker handles most of the cooking.
• Creamy and cheesy: Cream cheese creates rich, creamy layers while mozzarella melts over the top.
• Family-friendly: Ground beef, marinara, and pasta make this a comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Great for potlucks: The casserole makes about 8 servings and is easy to serve from the slow cooker.
• Make-ahead friendly: The beef and marinara mixture can be prepared in advance to save time.

Servings: 8
Prep time: About 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 1/2–3 hours on LOW

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water

How to Make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Spaghetti

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce.
2. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara mixture across the bottom.
3. Arrange half of the broken spaghetti over the sauce. Add part of the remaining meat sauce and scatter half of the cream cheese over the pasta.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cream cheese. Pour the water evenly over the top.
5. Gently press the spaghetti down into the sauce so the noodles are as fully covered as possible. This is important for even cooking.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, checking toward the end of the cooking time. Stop cooking as soon as the spaghetti is tender to prevent mushy pasta.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the casserole. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
8. Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Spaghetti

Keep the spaghetti submerged.
Make sure as much of the dry pasta as possible is covered with sauce before putting the lid on. Exposed noodles may remain firm while overcooking the rest can make the casserole too soft.

Don’t overcook the pasta.
Slow cooker temperatures vary, so start checking around the 2 1/2-hour mark. Once the spaghetti is tender, move on to the cheese step.

Soften the cream cheese.
Cut cold cream cheese into smaller cubes or let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Smaller pieces distribute more easily throughout the casserole.

Prepare the beef ahead.
Brown the ground beef and combine it with the marinara sauce up to one day ahead. Refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.

Add extra flavor if desired.
Italian-seasoned marinara, garlic powder, dried basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add more flavor without making the recipe complicated.

Try a different cheese blend.
Replace some of the mozzarella with an Italian cheese blend for a richer, more savory cheesy topping.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Spaghetti

This hearty crockpot spaghetti casserole pairs well with:

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted green beans
• Steamed vegetables
• Fruit salad
• Deviled eggs
• A simple vegetable tray