Prepare yourself for ultimate comfort food bliss: this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment to savor! Layers of creamy, cheesy goodness mingle with a hearty, savory meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all crowned with a bubbling golden crust. Each bite offers everything you love about lasagna and spaghetti, but with an irresistible twist that will wow your family and friends at any gathering. If you’re searching for a dish that even picky eaters will beg for again, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your next family favorite.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best dishes start with familiar, flavorful ingredients, and this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is no exception. Every component here plays a key role, adding richness, creaminess, or that signature Italian flair. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why you’ll love it all!

Spaghetti (1 pound): The sturdy backbone of the dish—choose classic spaghetti for a texture that soaks up all the saucy, cheesy layers beautifully.
Ground beef (1 pound): Adds savory, meaty volume and hearty flavor to the sauce, making every forkful satisfying.
Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Brings depth and a touch of spice—using both beef and sausage takes the flavor up a notch!
Onion (1 small, diced): Sweet and aromatic, sautéed onions form a flavorful base for the meat sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for rich, robust flavor—don’t skip the garlic, it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Marinara sauce (1 24-ounce jar): Provides tangy tomato goodness and keeps everything wonderfully saucy.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The secret weapon for unbelievably creamy layers—it almost melts into the spaghetti!
Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds fluffiness and mild flavor; cottage cheese works as a substitute if you prefer.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Offers a touch of tang and silkiness, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Blends herbs like oregano and basil for a classic Italian aroma throughout.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory notes—taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection on top and in every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): The ultimate finishing touch—salty, nutty, and totally irresistible when it browns.
Butter (2 tablespoons, cut into small pieces): Adds richness as it melts through the noodles and helps create a luscious texture.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions until the noodles are just al dente—you want them still a little firm so they hold up nicely in the oven. Drain them well and set aside, letting them cool just a bit while you prepare the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté Meat and Aromatics

In a large skillet set over medium heat, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Break up the meat as it cooks, stirring frequently until everything is browned and the onions are soft. Just before the meat is finished, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, releasing all that garlicky aroma. Drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

Once your meat and onions are perfectly browned, pour in the jar of marinara sauce. Stir it all together and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes. This lets the flavors meld and creates a hearty, rich sauce that will coat every layer of your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir (or use a handheld mixer) until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This dreamy, tangy cheese layer is the magic that sets this recipe apart from standard spaghetti bakes!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom. Dot this layer with half of the butter pieces—the butter melts for an unbelievable richness. Next, dollop the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles and gently spread it out. Add the remaining spaghetti in a second layer and scatter the rest of the butter on top. Generously pour over your simmered meat sauce, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping

Finish by sprinkling the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce layer. These cheeses will melt, bubble, and bake into a glorious golden topping that’s the hallmark of a true Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes—watch as the top turns gorgeously golden and bubbles appear around the edges. Let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving, so the layers hold up beautifully on each plate.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish to your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe takes it from weeknight dinner to show-stopping centerpiece! Try a sprinkling of fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. A few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese just before serving also give a lovely salty finish and make every plate look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Classic garlic bread and a crisp green salad are the perfect partners for this rich, cheesy casserole. The bread is great for sopping up every last bit of sauce, while the salad’s fresh crunch balances the dish’s creaminess. You could also serve steamed asparagus or roasted veggies if you want to sneak more greens onto the table!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized servings—kids love getting their own little casseroles! Or, for a party, scoop it into a large wooden serving bowl and top with extra Parmesan and chopped herbs for a rustic family-style presentation. You can even let guests add their favorite toppings at the table, like chili flakes or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe keep surprisingly well. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container, then refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner almost as irresistible as the first bite!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, allow your casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe can be frozen either before or after baking, though freezing before baking keeps the texture even more fresh. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave until hot, or place the whole baking dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until bubbly and heated through, about 25-30 minutes. If the top looks dry, add a sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating to restore that cheesy, melty finish!

FAQs

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter texture or want to use what you have on hand. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid for best results in your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.

What’s the secret to getting those perfect layers?

Evenly distributing your components—spaghetti, butter, creamy cheese, and meat sauce—makes all the difference. Take time to spread each layer smoothly, and let the casserole rest after baking for slices that hold their shape.

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap the ground meat and sausage for plant-based crumbles, or load up on sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian take that’s still fabulous and satisfying.

How far ahead can I assemble this dish?

You can prepare the entire Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe one day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add about 10 extra minutes baking time if you’re starting from cold.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy casserole?

Drain your pasta well, don’t overdo the sauce, and always bake uncovered at the end to let the moisture evaporate and the cheese topping get deliciously golden and crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to experience the coziest, cheesiest, most crowd-pleasing pasta bake ever, give this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe a try. It’s everything you love about comfort food, in one unforgettable dish. So go ahead, gather your loved ones and serve up a meal they’ll be talking about long after the last bite is gone!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the richness of Million Dollar Spaghetti, a decadent baked pasta dish that combines layers of creamy cheeses, savory meats, and flavorful sauces for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

Cheese Mixture:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

Preheat oven and cook spaghetti: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Cook meats and sauce: Brown ground beef, sausage, and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, then stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
Prepare cheese mixture: Combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Assemble: Layer spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce in a baking dish. Top with cheeses and butter.
Bake: Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.