If you’ve ever wished for a pasta bake that’s extra-rich, hearty, and downright irresistible, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is the answer to your comfort food dreams. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, a luscious trio of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, a saucy, meaty filling, and golden, bubbling cheese on top—all baked together for a casserole that truly lives up to its name. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want leftovers worth fighting over, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is a family classic everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This collection of ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a key role in turning an ordinary spaghetti night into something unforgettable. These pantry staples come together with a few creamy additions to deliver the taste and texture that make this dish so famous.
- Spaghetti (1 pound): The sturdy pasta foundation absorbs all the saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the meat and onion sauté beautifully, adding subtle richness.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Delivers the hearty, savory base to anchor the casserole.
- Italian sausage, casings removed (1/2 pound): Adds spice, extra flavor, and juiciness to your filling.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Gives a gentle sweetness and aromatic warmth throughout the dish.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brightens and deepens the flavors with every bite.
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): Stores up all the meaty flavor and keeps every layer moist.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Creates the creamy, tangy layer that’s signature to this casserole.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Provides moisture and texture; you can swap for ricotta if you prefer.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Ensures every cheesy bite is ultra-smooth and rich.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into that irresistible, stringy golden crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers savory, nutty notes and a beautiful finish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to wake up all the other flavors.
- Chopped parsley, optional (2 tablespoons): A fresh, vibrant garnish to finish the dish if desired.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. You want the noodles to hold their shape during baking, so don’t overcook them. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside—you’re now ready for the delicious building blocks of your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté the Meats and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, Italian sausage (with casings removed), and diced onion all at once. Cook, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until browned and the onion becomes soft and fragrant—about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer, letting its aroma bloom. Drain any excess grease to keep everything perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Now, add the marinara sauce to the skillet along with the salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors really meld together. The result? A thick, robust meat sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until completely smooth and blended. This combination creates the signature decadent layer in your casserole, transforming plain pasta into the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe everyone raves about.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and start the fun layering process. Add half of the cooked spaghetti to the bottom, then spread the entire cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with the rest of the spaghetti, keeping the layers nice and even. Pour your savory meat sauce right on top and finish it all off with generous handfuls of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Each stratum contributes to the magical marriage of flavors you’re about to enjoy.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes, letting those flavors come together. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Resist the urge to dig in immediately—a 10-minute rest will make cutting and serving much neater, and allow all the layers to settle.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green and a little herbal brightness. If you want to really amp up the Italian vibes, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes adds depth and color to the finished Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. These easy touches make the casserole look as luxurious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This rich bake craves something crisp and refreshing on the side! Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables for color and crunch. Of course, nobody will complain if you serve baskets of garlic bread or warm focaccia for soaking up all the extra sauce. The key is balance; fresh and lighter sides complement the creamy, meaty pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, individual ramekins make charming personal casseroles for family or guests. Or, scoop generous portions onto warmed plates and top with a sprig of parsley and extra cheese for an inviting homestyle presentation. You can even bake the dish ahead in a pretty ceramic dish for potlucks and gatherings—this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is always the star of the table, wherever it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe are a true blessing—the flavors meld even more overnight. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, ready to reheat whenever you need a comforting bite.
Freezing
This dish is perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends. To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for quick, satisfying weeknight meals.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat portions in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes for a casserole or 5 minutes for single servings in the microwave. If the leftovers seem a bit dry, add a splash of marinara or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to make each serving as decadent as when it was first baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute ricotta for the cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta cheese works beautifully in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe and gives it a slightly richer, smoother texture. No need to adjust the other ingredients—just swap ricotta in at a one-to-one ratio and continue layering as usual.
What makes this different from traditional baked spaghetti?
The secret cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream layer truly sets the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe apart. It delivers an ultra-creamy center and extra flavor depth that takes this from an everyday dish to something really special—think of it as lasagna’s extra-indulgent cousin!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply skip the beef and sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite plant-based protein instead. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce to keep everything meat-free, and you’ll still have that irresistible creamy filling and cheesy top.
Is it possible to use other types of pasta?
Yes! While classic spaghetti gives the traditional texture and nostalgic appeal, you can easily substitute other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine, or even short shapes like penne for a heartier bite. Just aim for about a pound of dry pasta for the right balance of sauce and noodles.
What’s the best way to cut perfect slices?
Letting your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe rest for 10 minutes after baking makes all the difference. The layers settle and firm up, allowing you to cut neat, satisfying portions using a sharp knife and a spatula. For extra-smooth slices, wipe your knife clean between cuts.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe brings together everything we love about comfort food—creamy, savory, and wonderfully crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re new to baked pasta casseroles or a devoted spaghetti aficionado, give this dish a spot in your regular rotation. Your family and friends will be asking you for the recipe after the very first bite!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe that combines layers of pasta, creamy cheeses, savory meats, and a rich marinara sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion until browned. Add garlic, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the cheese layer: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble the dish: In a greased baking dish, layer spaghetti, cheese mixture, remaining spaghetti, and meat sauce. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese if preferred.
- This dish freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
