If you're on the hunt for a rich, decadent, and downright delicious pasta dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti. This hearty casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness, ground beef, and tender spaghetti noodles. It’s often described as a cross between lasagna and baked ziti but with its own irresistible twist. Trust us, once you try it, you'll be hooked. Keep reading to learn how to make this million-dollar meal that’s worth every bite!
What is "Million Dollar Spaghetti"?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole that combines layers of spaghetti, ground beef or sausage, creamy cheeses, and a savory marinara sauce. The name "Million Dollar" comes from the rich flavor that makes this dish feel like it’s worth a million bucks! With ingredients like cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and butter, the casserole delivers an ultra-rich and creamy experience with every bite. The top layer becomes perfectly crispy after baking, while the inside stays luscious and gooey.
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti
To create this delicious recipe, you'll need the following ingredients. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the unforgettable flavors that make this dish stand out.
- Spaghetti: 1 pound of spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained. Feel free to use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free spaghetti, depending on your preference.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef or Italian sausage, depending on your taste preference. You can even do a mix of both for a more complex flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce, either homemade or store-bought.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. This adds to the rich, creamy texture of the dish.
- Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup of cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese if you prefer a smoother texture).
- Sour Cream: ½ cup of sour cream to help bind the cheese layers and provide an extra creamy texture.
- Butter: 1 stick of butter (½ cup), sliced into thin pats.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey, melty top layer.
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup of grated Parmesan for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. This adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- Garlic: 2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic always adds that signature Italian flair.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a classic herbaceous touch.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Million Dollar Spaghetti is its flexibility. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can make to suit your dietary preferences or to get creative in the kitchen:
- Meat Variations: If you don’t have ground beef or Italian sausage, ground turkey or ground chicken works just as well. You can even make it vegetarian by swapping the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Cheese Substitutions: Not a fan of cottage cheese? Ricotta is a great alternative. You can also experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Provolone, or even Gouda for a richer flavor.
- Pasta Options: Although spaghetti is traditional, you can switch it out for any long pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or even a short pasta like penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb twist, swap the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
- Extra Veggies: Add more nutritional value by sneaking in extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or shredded carrots into the meat sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive into the magic of Million Dollar Spaghetti? Follow these detailed instructions to get the perfect bake every time.
How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). Then, add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Mix the Cheeses:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Layer the Ingredients:
Begin by placing half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Then, top with half of the meat sauce. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the sauce, followed by the rest of the cheese mixture. Finally, spread the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
6. Add the Toppings:
Layer the mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Place thin slices of butter on top to help create a golden, crispy finish.
7. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Let It Rest:
Once fully baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into perfect slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your spaghetti al dente. Overcooked noodles can become mushy when baked.
- Not Draining the Meat Properly: Be sure to drain excess fat from the meat after browning. Otherwise, the casserole may turn out greasy.
- Skipping the Resting Period: Allowing the baked casserole to rest for a few minutes helps everything set and makes serving much cleaner.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Million Dollar Spaghetti is not only delicious but also a great dish to present. Here are some tips to make sure it looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Portion it like lasagna: After resting, slice the casserole into neat squares or rectangles, just like lasagna. This ensures that you get all the layers in each serving.
- Serve with a side: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the spaghetti. You can also serve it with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Toppings: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Family-Style: Place the baking dish directly on the table and allow everyone to serve themselves. This creates a warm, inviting, family-style atmosphere.
- Individual Servings: For more formal dinners, you can plate individual servings, garnishing each plate with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: Million Dollar Spaghetti can easily be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes beautifully! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen (adding 30–40 minutes to the bake time). If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Leftover Ideas: Leftovers taste even better the next day. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to substitute it with any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta, and ensure that your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
A: Yes, ricotta is a great alternative to cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a true crowd-pleaser, combining layers of hearty meat sauce, rich cheeses, and tender pasta into one irresistible dish. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s called Million Dollar Spaghetti! Enjoy every decadent bite!
PrintMillion Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a delicious casserole loaded with spaghetti, ground beef, ricotta or cream cheese, and plenty of mozzarella. This family favorite combines the flavors of a classic spaghetti dish with the creamy richness of a baked pasta casserole. Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or busy weeknights. Serve this easy-to-make, comfort meal straight from the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1 cup ricotta or cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti as directed and drain.
- In a skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic in butter until soft. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta or cream cheese with sour cream and set aside.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
- Top with remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use cream cheese for a richer flavor.
- For added flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- This dish freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. ⅛ of dish)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
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