Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

I absolutely love this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe because it turns a humble dish like spaghetti into something truly special and indulgent. The mix of gooey cheeses with a hearty meat sauce brings all the comforting flavors together in one bubbly, golden casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whenever I need a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is my go-to because it s both easy and incredibly satisfying.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised how the cream cheese and sour cream add a rich, velvety layer that takes regular spaghetti to the next level of deliciousness. You ll find that it reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you make this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe, it will become one of those cherished dishes that s always requested again and again!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creamy texture. Shopping for quality sausage and fresh cheeses really makes a difference here, so don’t skip those little details.

• Spaghetti noodles: Classic spaghetti works best here, but you can swap for your favorite pasta shape if you prefer.
• Ground beef: Adds hearty meatiness and texture to the sauce.
• Ground Italian sausage or pork sausage: The seasoning in the sausage gives the meat sauce an irresistible flavor boost.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings, but essential to bring all the flavors together.
• Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with mouthwatering aroma.
• Marinara sauce: Quality marinara is key-look for one with good herbs and no added sugar.
• Butter: Tossed with the pasta to keep it rich and prevent sticking.
• Cream cheese (softened): The foundation of the creamy cheese layer, so let it soften well for easy mixing.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and silky texture to the cheese mixture.
• Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese: Both work beautifully-ricotta will be smoother, cottage cheese adds a little texture.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey cheese topping that melts and browns perfectly.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty sharpness on top that finishes the dish wonderfully.

Variations

I love how flexible this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is. You can tweak the meats, cheeses, or even swap in vegetarian options to make it just right for your tastes or dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Version: I once made this using plant-based meat crumbles, and honestly, it was just as delicious and satisfying.
• Different Pasta: Sometimes I switch spaghetti for penne or rigatoni-both hold the cheese and sauce really well.
• Cheese Swaps: If you want a different flavor, try adding some sharp cheddar or swapping mozzarella for provolone in the topping.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce gives it a lovely kick if you like things spicy.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce to Perfection

Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As you crumble the meat, season it well with salt and pepper. Once the meat is cooked through, drain most of the grease-that s a trick I learned early to keep the sauce from getting greasy but still flavorful. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in most of your marinara sauce, reserving about half a cup for later, and stir everything together. Set this delicious sauce aside while you handle the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare and Toss the Spaghetti Noodles

Cook your spaghetti noodles just until al dente according to the package instructions. I always recommend tasting the noodles a minute or two before the suggested cooking time so they don t get mushy in the bake. Once drained, immediately transfer the hot pasta to a large bowl and toss it with the butter and the reserved marinara sauce. This keeps them flavorful and prevents sticking as the pasta cools slightly before assembling the casserole.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage (or ricotta) cheese. Mix everything well until it s smooth and fully blended. This creamy layer is really what makes this dish stand out, creating that “Million Dollar” melt-in-your-mouth effect kids and adults both adore.

Step 4: Assemble All the Layers

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread half of your buttered spaghetti noodles in an even layer. Next, carefully smooth the cheese mixture over the noodles, which creates that luscious creamy layer in the middle. Then add the remaining noodles on top, followed by your meat sauce spread evenly over everything. Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and the grated parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake It Until Bubbling and Perfect

Bake your assembled Million Dollar Spaghetti at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until it s hot and bubbly. Around 20 minutes in, peek to make sure the cheese isn t browning too quickly-if it is, tent a piece of foil over the top to prevent burning. Once done, let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set up beautifully. This waiting time helps all the layers meld together and makes cutting the casserole much cleaner.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this Million Dollar Spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil-it adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh taste that complements the rich flavors perfectly. Sometimes a little extra parmesan grated on top at the table sends it over the top for cheese lovers like me.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up all the cheesy sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also pair wonderfully and add a healthy, flavorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve baked Million Dollar Spaghetti in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch, perfect for dinner parties or date nights. It s also fun to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving to amp up the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the casserole in an airtight container rather than the baking dish to preserve freshness and make reheating easier.

Freezing

I ve frozen fully assembled Million Dollar Spaghetti (before baking) wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap with great results up to 3 months. When you re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge for 1-2 days, then bake as directed-this method keeps all the flavors intact without drying it out.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly (about 20-25 minutes). This slow reheating preserves the creamy layers and prevents the cheese from drying out or burning.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe really feels like a special occasion dish, even on an ordinary weeknight. I love how easily it comes together, yet delivers big, comforting flavor that leaves everyone asking for seconds. If you re craving something that feels cozy and indulgent without a ton of fuss, give this recipe a try-you just might find it becomes a family classic like it did in my home.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 117 reviews

• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 15 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked spaghetti casserole featuring layers of spaghetti, a savory meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, and a luscious cheese mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this comforting dish is baked until bubbling and golden, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Sauce

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (reserve 1/2 cup for noodles)

Pasta

• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup reserved marinara sauce (from above)

Cheese Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to get it ready for baking the assembled casserole.
2. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain most of the grease. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce, combining well. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce, tossing the noodles until evenly coated and combined.
4. Make the Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese or ricotta until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the buttered noodles in an even layer. Smooth the cheese mixture over the noodles to form the middle layer. Top with the remaining noodles, then evenly spread the prepared meat sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the assembled layers.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is hot, melted, and bubbly. Check at about 20 minutes to tent with foil if the cheese is browning too quickly. Once baked, let the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

---

Notes

• To Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole through the assembly phase, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
• To Freeze: Assemble casserole and cover tightly with greased foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days before baking. From thawed, bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 20-25 minutes. If baking from frozen, bake covered for about 40 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes until bubbly.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat or use plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version.
• Meat Variations: Both ground beef and Italian sausage add great flavor, but either can be used alone as well.
• Pasta Choice: Spaghetti is traditional, but any pasta you prefer will work well in this casserole.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/15th of the casserole)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 605mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 60mg