Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate dinner recipe for pasta lovers — a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked spaghetti dish layered with rich homemade meat sauce, tender noodles, and a luscious cheese filling. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal that brings together the best parts of lasagna and traditional spaghetti in one easy casserole. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or prepping ahead for a busy weeknight, this dish truly lives up to its name — it tastes like a million bucks!
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Dinner
This baked spaghetti recipe is loved for its flavor, simplicity, and budget-friendly ingredients. You only need a few pantry staples, and yet the result is a restaurant-quality meal. The layers of tender noodles, creamy cheese, and savory sauce bake together into something warm, bubbly, and deeply satisfying. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
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
(Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by cooking and crumbling the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper as the meat browns. Once cooked, drain most of the excess grease to keep the sauce flavorful but not oily.
Add finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in your favorite marinara sauce, reserving about ½ cup for later use. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain and toss the noodles with butter and a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and add flavor. This simple step ensures that every bite of pasta is rich and coated with sauce.
3. Prepare the Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is what gives Million Dollar Spaghetti its signature richness and velvety texture.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the buttered noodles on the bottom, followed by the entire cheese mixture. Add the remaining noodles on top. Finally, spoon the prepared meat sauce evenly over the top layer of spaghetti.
Sprinkle with plenty of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to create a golden, bubbly crust once baked.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving — this helps the layers set beautifully.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
To freeze, prepare the spaghetti casserole up to the baking step, wrap it securely with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake covered for 20 minutes, uncover, and bake another 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat or substitute it with plant-based ground protein.
- Cheese Substitutes: Replace cottage cheese with ricotta, or use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Different Pasta: Swap spaghetti for penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni — the sauce and cheese work beautifully with any shape.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and substitute ground turkey for beef.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious spaghetti dinner pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian-style meal, serve it with a side of fresh fruit salad or a simple wedge salad. Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for sharing. It combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the simplicity of baked spaghetti — making it one of the best dinner recipes to keep in your rotation. Serve it on a cozy weeknight or at your next family gathering, and watch it disappear from the table in minutes!
Serving Ideas
Pair your spaghetti dinner with:
