There’s something magical about the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with big eyes and empty plates—Million Dollar Spaghetti is exactly that kind of dish. It’s warm, cheesy, full of bold flavors, and has that cozy, baked-pasta goodness we all crave. I call it my “cheat code” dinner for when I want something that feels fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen.
This baked spaghetti casserole earns its “million dollar” name thanks to the dreamy layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese filling, and savory meat sauce, all baked together until bubbly and golden on top. It’s hearty, filling, and guaranteed to be a repeat request—whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or guests at a potluck.
I first made this dish on a Sunday afternoon when I wanted something different from the usual spaghetti and meatballs, and oh boy, did it deliver. The whole house smelled incredible, and by the time it came out of the oven, everyone was already hovering around the kitchen. Let’s just say there were zero leftovers that night.
Ready to bring a little “million dollar” magic to your dinner table? Let’s get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cheesy, saucy casserole to life:
For the pasta:
1 pound spaghetti
Water for boiling
Salt for pasta water
For the meat sauce:
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese layer:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
STEP 1: PREP THE OVEN AND COOK THE SPAGHETTI
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—you’ll need it ready for layering soon.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your spaghetti and cook it until it’s just al dente, following the timing on the package. Don’t overcook it—it’s going to continue cooking in the oven. Once it’s done, drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the sauce and cheese layers.
STEP 2: MAKE THE MEAT SAUCE
While your pasta’s boiling, get your sauce going. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and break up the beef as it browns, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess grease—this helps prevent the casserole from turning oily. Stir in the 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, and season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5–10 minutes so those flavors can mingle and deepen.
Tip: If you want to amp up the flavor, feel free to use a spiced marinara or mix in a pinch of Italian seasoning. I’ve also swapped in half Italian sausage before—delicious!
STEP 3: WHIP UP THE CREAMY CHEESE LAYER
Now, for the dreamy middle layer that really takes this dish over the top.
In a medium bowl, combine:
8 ounces of softened cream cheese
1 cup of cottage cheese (or ricotta if you prefer)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. This cheese mixture adds that rich, creamy texture in the center that makes this dish feel extra indulgent—hence the “million dollar” reputation!
How to Assemble and Bake Million Dollar Spaghetti
Now that your pasta is cooked, your meat sauce is bubbling with flavor, and your creamy cheese mixture is ready to go, it’s time for the fun part—assembling and baking this beautiful, cheesy casserole. This is where all those delicious layers come together to create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible and forgiving it is. Whether you’re using cottage cheese, ricotta, Italian sausage, or sticking to classic ground beef, it always turns out delicious. And once you layer it all up and pop it in the oven, you’ll see why it gets its “million dollar” name.
Let’s keep going!
STEP 4: START LAYERING THE CASSEROLE
Grab your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly along the bottom. Try to make an even layer so every bite has that perfect pasta base.
Next, spoon the cheese mixture over the spaghetti and gently spread it out using a spatula or the back of a spoon. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just try to cover the noodles with a nice, even layer.
Then, layer the remaining half of the spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture. Give it a little press to keep everything compact.
STEP 5: ADD THE MEAT SAUCE
Now it’s time to bring on the meat sauce. Pour your simmered ground beef and marinara mixture over the top layer of spaghetti. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it covers the entire surface.
This step helps lock in all the moisture and flavor, keeping the casserole rich and saucy after baking. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of sauce—it’s going to soak in beautifully as it bakes.
STEP 6: TOP WITH CHEESE
Once your meat sauce is spread out, sprinkle the top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheesy topping is going to melt, bubble, and brown up into that irresistibly golden crust we all know and love.
If you’re like me and love extra cheese, feel free to add a bit more mozzarella. You really can’t go wrong here.
STEP 7: BAKE TO PERFECTION
Place the casserole in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—you’re looking for a hot, bubbly dish with melted cheese that’s just starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Trust me, the wait is worth it. You’ll get those perfect squares that hold their shape while still being soft, cheesy, and full of flavor in every bite.
Tips, Variations, and Make-Ahead Advice
This casserole is already a home-run, but here are a few extra tips and simple variations if you want to mix things up:
Make It Ahead: You can fully assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes early and bake as directed.
Freezer Friendly: Want to freeze it? Assemble the whole thing and wrap it tightly in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Meat Options: While ground beef is the classic choice, feel free to use Italian sausage or a beef/pork mix for extra flavor. Ground turkey also works if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Cheese Swaps: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, use all ricotta instead. You can even add a handful of shredded mozzarella to the cheese mixture for a gooier center.
Add Veggies: Stir in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrients. Just make sure they’re cooked and drained so they don’t water down the casserole.
Million Dollar Spaghetti: Finishing Touches and Baking Tips
At this point, you’ve cooked the spaghetti, made the savory meat sauce, and whipped up that luscious cheese layer. Now it’s time to bring it all together in the baking dish and create the classic, cheesy casserole that gives this recipe its “million dollar” status.
This next part is where the magic happens, so let’s dive right in.
STEP 4: LAYER THE SPAGHETTI AND CHEESE
Start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly flat; just spread it out so it covers the entire surface.
Next, spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it evenly. This rich layer of cream cheese, cottage (or ricotta), and sour cream is what gives the casserole its signature creamy texture and luxurious taste.
Once your cheese layer is smooth and even, top it with the remaining spaghetti. Give it a light press to help everything stay together during baking.
STEP 5: ADD THE MEAT SAUCE
Pour your simmered meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, spreading it out evenly so every bite is flavorful. This saucy, meaty layer keeps the casserole moist and adds that classic spaghetti taste we all love.
Make sure you cover the pasta well—this helps seal in the creaminess and ensures the whole dish bakes up moist and delicious.
STEP 6: TOP WITH CHEESE
Finally, sprinkle the casserole with 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. This cheesy topping will melt into a bubbly, golden crust that makes the dish irresistible.
If you want it extra cheesy, feel free to add a little more mozzarella—this casserole is all about indulgence!
STEP 7: BAKE UNTIL BUBBLY AND GOLDEN
Place the casserole in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese on top to be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step is important because it allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat slices without everything falling apart.
Helpful Tips and Variations
Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Assemble it fully and cover it with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Swap the Meat: You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or a mix of sausage and beef for a richer flavor. Ground turkey also works well for a leaner version.
Cheese Options: If you prefer, use all ricotta instead of cottage cheese. Some people also like adding a little shredded mozzarella to the cheese layer for extra gooeyness.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak some veggies into the dish without losing any flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed—just cook according to package instructions.
Million Dollar Spaghetti: FAQ and Final Thoughts
By now, you’ve got the full scoop on making this rich, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole. It’s a recipe that’s straightforward but feels like a special occasion every time. Before we wrap up, I want to answer some of the most common questions I hear about Million Dollar Spaghetti. Hopefully, these tips help you nail the recipe and customize it perfectly for your family or friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge—just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
2. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes! After assembling, wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual. You may need to add extra time in the oven if it’s still a little cold in the center.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers reheat well in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings but the oven helps keep the top layer nice and melty.
4. Can I substitute different cheeses?
Definitely! The recipe calls for cottage cheese or ricotta in the creamy layer. Ricotta will make it smoother and richer, while cottage cheese adds a bit more texture. Feel free to experiment—some people like adding shredded mozzarella to the cheese layer for extra gooeyness.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles. Just cook and season them similarly to the meat sauce, then layer as usual.
6. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just cook gluten-free spaghetti according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe. Keep in mind gluten-free pasta can sometimes be more delicate, so handle it gently when layering.
7. What’s the best way to serve Million Dollar Spaghetti?
This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple Caesar salad is one of my favorites alongside this rich pasta bake.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta come together to create a dish that’s simple but feels special.
I hope you give this recipe a try soon! Don’t be afraid to make it your own—swap out the meat, add veggies, or tweak the cheeses to suit your tastes. And when you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out or share any fun variations you discovered.
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Million Dollar Spaghetti
Description
This baked spaghetti casserole blends the heartiness of pasta with the creaminess of cheese and richness of meat sauce, making it a true comfort food classic. The “million dollar” name comes from the luxurious texture created by layering spaghetti with a creamy cheese mixture and savory meat sauce, then topping it all with melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
1 pound spaghetti
Water for boiling
Salt for pasta water
For the meat sauce:
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese layer:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease. Add the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with the cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Pour the meat sauce over the layered spaghetti and spread evenly.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, making it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for added flavor, or use a blend. The cheese mixture can be adjusted based on preference—ricotta can be used entirely in place of cottage cheese.
