Million Dollar Spaghetti

Craving comfort food that feels indulgent without the fancy cost? Million Dollar Spaghetti is your answer. This baked spaghetti casserole blends creamy layers, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese into one family-approved dish. It’s a viral favorite for a reason. Whether you spotted it on TikTok or just love a good pasta bake, this version hits the sweet spot between lasagna and spaghetti. Get ready to make a weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend treat.

Why This Recipe Works

The meat combo is key. Ground beef adds a hearty base while Italian sausage brings seasoning and richer flavor. Cooking them together builds depth from the start.

The cheese trio is the real hook. Cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese melt into a smooth and creamy center. This gives the pasta bake its signature “million dollar” texture without needing fancy ingredients.

The pasta step matters too. Boiling spaghetti until it is just al dente keeps the noodles firm after baking. If pasta is cooked too long in the pot, it can turn soft once it hits the oven. Keeping it slightly firm protects the final bite.

Ingredients Needed

For the Pasta Base

• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces for easy melting

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 half pound ground beef
• 1 half pound Italian sausage or plain pork sausage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce, divided (reserve half a cup for mixing with pasta)

For the Creamy Cheese Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 quarter cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese or substitute with ricotta for a smoother finish

For the Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Two thirds cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Group ingredients before starting to keep prep smooth and organized.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready once you finish assembling everything.

2. Cook the meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, season with salt and pepper. Drain most of the grease to avoid a heavy dish. Add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the onion turns soft and see-through.

3. Add the sauce
Pour in all but half a cup of the marinara sauce. Stir everything together until combined. Let it simmer gently while you prepare the noodles.

4. Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti just until al dente. This means the noodles should still have a slight bite. Drain immediately.

5. Coat the noodles
Place the hot spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the butter and the reserved half cup of marinara sauce. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy.

6. Make the cheese filling
In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and well blended.

7. Assemble the layers
Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Add half of the spaghetti and spread it out evenly. Spoon the entire cheese mixture over this layer and smooth it out. Add the rest of the noodles on top. Pour the meat sauce over the noodles and spread it to the edges.

8. Top with cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the top.

9. Bake the dish
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Check around the 20 minute mark. If the cheese starts to brown too fast, lay a piece of foil loosely over the top.

10. Let it rest
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the layers hold together when slicing.

Pro-Tips for the Best Results

Toss noodles while hot
As soon as you drain the spaghetti, mix it with butter and the reserved marinara. This keeps the strands separate and prevents clumping.

Ricotta swap is simple
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, use ricotta in equal amounts. Both give creaminess, but ricotta offers a smoother texture.

Remove the grease
After browning the meat, drain off most of the fat. Leaving too much can make the final dish oily and heavy. Skipping this step can affect both flavor and texture.

Layer with care
Keep the cheese mix in the middle of the pasta. This creates that signature creamy center and keeps it from drying out.

Don’t skip the rest time
Letting the dish sit after baking gives it time to set. Cutting into it too soon can make it fall apart.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator prep
You can prepare the full dish up to the layering stage. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to one day. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Freezer option before baking
Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake it. Wrap the dish in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Label it with the date. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To use, thaw it in the fridge for one to two days, then bake as directed.

Handling leftovers
Store any leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for three to four days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. Add a splash of marinara if it seems dry.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti

Fresh greens
Balance the richness with a crisp green salad. A mix of lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of Italian dressing works perfectly. You can also pair it with a simple fruit salad for a lighter touch.

Warm bread
Serve with homemade garlic breadsticks or a slice of cheesy garlic toast. The crunch on the outside and soft inside make it great for scooping up extra sauce.

Roasted vegetables
Try roasted broccoli or a shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Both add color, texture, and freshness that complement the cheesy, hearty spaghetti without overpowering it.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The creamy center, the rich meat sauce, and the golden cheesy top all come together in one satisfying bite. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and crowd-approved.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out. Share your photos or tag it on Pinterest or Facebook to spread the love.

What twist did you add to make it your own? Cottage cheese or ricotta? Extra garlic? Let us know in the comments below.

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