The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

Name: The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces spaghetti noodles; 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; 3 Tablespoons butter; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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This million dollar spaghetti is a baked, layered pasta dish that combines a hearty meat sauce with a creamy, cheesy filling to create the ultimate comfort food casserole.

My secret? I use a rich marinara sauce and a blend of three cheeses—mozzarella, parmesan, and a creamy mixture of cream cheese and cottage cheese—to make this recipe taste like a million bucks without breaking the bank. It’s truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners and potlucks!

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Key Takeaways

Effortless & Delicious: This recipe is simpler than it looks, giving you a rich and decadent baked pasta dish that’s perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: With layers of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy center, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy.
A Make-Ahead Dream: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Just assemble it, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready! For more weeknight dinner ideas, check out my recipe for the cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
Budget-Friendly: While it tastes luxurious, this million dollar spaghetti is made with simple, affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti

It’s a crowd-pleaser: This casserole is a favorite with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for family dinners and potlucks.
The creamy, cheesy center is a surprise: Unlike a regular baked spaghetti, the creamy layer of sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese adds a rich, tangy surprise to every bite.
Leftovers are even better! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, so the leftovers taste amazing.
It’s perfect for meal prep: You can easily prep the sauce and cheese layers in advance. Speaking of make-ahead meals, my healthy turkey taco bowls are another fantastic option!
Easy to customize: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or add extra veggies to the sauce to boost the nutrition.

A Little Backstory

I still remember the first time I tasted this dish. It was at a family potluck, and everyone was raving about a “million dollar lasagna.” When I saw it was actually spaghetti, I was so confused! But after one bite, I totally understood the name. It wasn’t just a simple baked spaghetti; it was a rich, cheesy, layered masterpiece.

The “million dollar” name is a fun, American twist on classic Italian-American comfort food. It doesn’t mean it’s expensive—it just means it tastes like a million bucks! The idea is to take a classic and make it extra decadent with a secret creamy cheese layer. It’s a dish that feels special and indulgent, but it’s still simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner. This recipe is an adaptation of that very first bite I took, and it’s become one of my go-to recipes for when I need something reliable and comforting. This reminds me a bit of my stuffed shells with ground beef, which also makes a fantastic, crowd-pleasing casserole!

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Ingredient	Notes/Substitutes
Spaghetti Noodles	Use gluten-free spaghetti or any other long pasta like linguine.
Ground Beef & Italian Sausage	Can use all ground beef, all Italian sausage, or a leaner ground meat like turkey.
Onion & Garlic	Adds a savory base. You can use garlic powder and onion powder in a pinch.
Marinara Sauce	Any brand you love will work great! A classic tomato sauce or roasted garlic variety is perfect.
Butter	Salted or unsalted butter. A little bit of oil works too, just not the same flavor.
Cream Cheese	Use full-fat for the best creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat option.
Sour Cream	Greek yogurt can be used for a slightly tangier flavor.
Cottage Cheese	The recipe also works perfectly with ricotta cheese. I’m a big fan of cheesy recipes, like these cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
Shredded Mozzarella	Use a block and shred it yourself for a better melt!
Freshly Grated Parmesan	Don’t use the pre-grated kind in a can; it won’t melt as well.
Salt & Pepper	Season to your liking!

Equipment Needed

Large Pot for cooking the pasta
Large Skillet for making the meat sauce
Mixing Bowls for the cheese layer and tossing the pasta
9×13-inch Baking Dish or casserole dish
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Spatula or large spoon for mixing

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage. Once it’s browned, drain the excess grease. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, reserving about ½ cup for later.
Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, but aim for “al dente” since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the hot spaghetti and immediately toss it in a large bowl with the butter and the reserved marinara sauce. This little trick makes the pasta so much more flavorful!
Create the cheese layer: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the layers: Pour half of the pasta into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Next, smooth the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta, then spread the meat sauce evenly over the top layer.
Add the final cheese topping: Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the meat sauce. This is my favorite part!
Bake: Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden and delicious. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can tent a piece of foil over the top.
Rest and serve: This is a crucial step! Let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set so it holds its shape.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t overcook the pasta! Cooking it to “al dente” is a game-changer. It ensures the spaghetti doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Use softened cream cheese. This makes it so much easier to get a smooth, lump-free cheese layer.
Don’t drain all the meat grease. Leaving a little bit behind will add incredible flavor and richness to your meat sauce, but just a little!
Add a little sugar. I always add a pinch of sugar to my marinara sauce to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s my little secret for a perfectly balanced sauce. If you’re a fan of cheesy baked dishes, you’ll also love this riced cauliflower mac ‘n’ cheese.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Spaghetti

This dish is a hearty meal all on its own, but here are some of my favorite pairings to round out the plate:

Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the rich casserole.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with classic garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Steamed Broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and some nice texture.
Roasted Asparagus: Roasting some asparagus with a little olive oil and salt is easy and elevates the whole meal.
A quick dessert: Finish your meal with something like a strawberry cheesecake recipe to make it feel extra special.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To Store: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To Freeze: This recipe is fantastic for freezing! After assembly (but before baking), wrap the dish tightly with a double layer of plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories	618
Total Fat	42g
Saturated Fat	24g
Cholesterol	136mg
Sodium	721mg
Total Carbohydrate	31g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	28g

Source: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.

FAQs About Million Dollar Spaghetti

What’s in million dollar spaghetti?

Million dollar spaghetti is a rich, layered pasta casserole. It typically includes spaghetti noodles, a savory meat sauce (usually beef and sausage), and a decadent, creamy cheese layer made with a mix of cheeses like cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, all topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan.

Why is it called million dollar lasagna?

The “million dollar” name comes from the rich and indulgent taste, not the cost. It’s called “lasagna” sometimes because of the layered structure, but it’s much easier to make since you don’t have to layer delicate lasagna noodles.

Can you prepare million dollar spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add 5-10 minutes to your baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

What is the difference between million dollar spaghetti and baked spaghetti?

While both are baked pasta dishes, million dollar spaghetti is distinguished by its signature creamy layer of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. A classic baked spaghetti often just has a mix of pasta, sauce, and cheese, without that extra creamy layer that makes this dish so rich.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. There’s something so comforting about a big, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. Don’t be intimidated by the layers—it’s so simple and worth every bit of effort! Let me know how it turns out and share your photos with me. Happy cooking! Also, if you’re ever in the mood for another comforting one-pot meal, you have to try this creamy chicken garlic pasta recipe.

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