Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect mix of spaghetti, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food at its best—a cross between lasagna and baked spaghetti that’s incredibly creamy, cheesy, and delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Ultimate Comfort Food: The perfect blend of pasta, cheese, and sauce.
✅ Super Creamy & Cheesy: Layers of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
✅ Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and can be prepped ahead.
✅ Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and leftovers.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the Pasta Layer:
12 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon butter (to prevent sticking)
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon butter to keep it from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned.
Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Layer
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti on the bottom.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Top with the remaining spaghetti.
Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
✔ Use Italian Sausage: For extra flavor, swap ground beef with Italian sausage.
✔ Make it Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of provolone cheese between the spaghetti layers.
✔ Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake when ready.
✔ Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
🥗 Pair with a Side Salad – A Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
🥖 Serve with Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce!
🍷 Enjoy with Wine – A bold red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the flavors.
Timing Information
⏳ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 55 minutes
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is rich, creamy, and full of flavor—a family favorite that’s easy to make and always a hit. Try it tonight!
❤️ Love this recipe? Let me know! Enjoy!