Million Dollar Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Million Dollar Spaghetti because it’s the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. The blend of tangy tomato sauce, savory beef, and a rich, velvety cheese layer creates an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy families and meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti noodles
• Ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
• Cream cheese, softened
• Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• Sour cream
• Butter
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little butter to prevent sticking.
3. Make the meat sauce: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Prepare the cheese layer: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble the casserole:
   • Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish.
   • Layer the entire cheese mixture over the pasta.
   • Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
   • Pour the meat sauce evenly over the noodles.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people and takes about 1 hour total—20 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for baking.

Variations

• Meat Lovers’ Version: Use a mix of ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for heat.
• White Sauce Version: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy spin.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. For freezing, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

FAQs

Why is it called Million Dollar Spaghetti?

It’s named for its rich, creamy, and indulgent flavor—like a million-dollar version of classic spaghetti!

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works perfectly and gives a slightly lighter texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I freeze it after baking?

Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Definitely—choose your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce to save time.

Can I use other pasta types?

Yes, penne, ziti, or rigatoni all work well in this dish.

How can I make it more cheesy?

Add extra mozzarella or mix in some provolone or fontina for even more creaminess.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey makes a lighter but still delicious version.

How do I keep it from being too dry?

Be sure to use enough sauce and don’t overbake. A little extra butter or cheese can help retain moisture.

What should I serve with it?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make perfect sides.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta that’s guaranteed to impress. With layers of savory meat sauce, velvety cheese filling, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that feels indulgent every time. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish truly earns its “million dollar” name with flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, layered baked pasta dish that combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti in one indulgent, creamy, and cheesy casserole. With seasoned meat sauce, a velvety cream cheese filling, and perfectly baked noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a million bucks.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons butter to prevent sticking.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Spread half of the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, then pour the meat sauce over everything.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use ground turkey and light cream cheese.
• Use cottage cheese for a slightly less dense, creamier texture.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezes well—wrap tightly before baking and freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg