Million-Dollar Spaghetti

Million-Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food casserole—layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s a cross between spaghetti and lasagna that delivers indulgent flavor in every bite. Ideal for feeding a crowd or making ahead, this dish truly lives up to its name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the best parts of spaghetti and lasagna
• Easy to assemble with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
• Feeds a large group—perfect for family dinners or gatherings
• Can be made ahead and reheated later
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Budget-friendly but tastes like a million bucks
• Freezer-friendly for meal prepping
• Customizable with different cheeses or proteins
• A crowd-pleasing comfort food classic

ingredients

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

• Spaghetti noodles
• Ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage)
• Marinara or pasta sauce
• Cream cheese
• Ricotta or cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Butter
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic (optional)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic (if using), marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
5. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top.
6. Add the remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce over the top.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over everything.
8. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative
• Use cottage cheese for a lighter option
• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti
• Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist

storage/reheating

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Assemble the dish and freeze unbaked (wrapped well) or freeze baked portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: For individual servings, microwave until heated through. For larger portions, reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

FAQs

What makes this dish “Million-Dollar”?

It’s called Million-Dollar Spaghetti because of how rich, creamy, and satisfying it is—like a luxurious version of baked pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other long noodles like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne.

Do I have to use ricotta?

No, you can use cottage cheese or even all cream cheese if preferred.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

If the top browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat or use a meatless ground alternative, and load it with veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.

Is it okay to freeze Million-Dollar Spaghetti?

Yes, it freezes well either before or after baking—just be sure it’s tightly wrapped.

What kind of sauce should I use?

A classic marinara or meat sauce works best, but you can use any red pasta sauce you enjoy.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives better texture.

Why let it rest before cutting?

Resting helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

Conclusion

Million-Dollar Spaghetti is the kind of dish that brings people together—hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a big family or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers in every way. Make it once, and it’ll become a go-to favorite for years to come.

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