Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that combines the best of spaghetti and lasagna in one irresistible bake. Layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted mozzarella come together to create a hearty, family-friendly meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to make.
Often called “million dollar” because of its decadent, cheesy layers, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy weeknights. Baked to golden perfection, it delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite—making it a beloved go-to recipe for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, indulgent baked pasta dish that layers spaghetti noodles with a creamy cheese mixture, hearty meat sauce, and melted mozzarella.
Often compared to lasagna, it combines the best of both pasta and casserole worlds. The dish includes cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, ground beef or sausage, and marinara sauce, all baked together to a golden, bubbly perfection.
It's a crowd-pleasing comfort food, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. With its creamy layers and savory flavor, it tastes like a million bucks—without costing nearly that much.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (and sausage if using). Cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté for another 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
-
Drain any excess grease from the pan. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer the mixture for about 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and creamy. The combination creates the signature “million dollar” richness of this casserole.
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Layer the ingredients in the following order: Bottom Layer: Half of the cooked spaghetti, Middle Layer: Spread the entire creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, Next Layer: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer, Top Layer: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles
-
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce. This gives the casserole that beautiful, golden cheesy crust once baked.
-
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
-
If you prefer a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes — but watch closely to prevent burning.
-
Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: Tips, Tricks & Serving Guide
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, cheesy, layered pasta dish that blends the heartiness of spaghetti with the indulgence of a lasagna. Here’s how to elevate your casserole from great to unforgettable, with clever kitchen tips and serving ideas that make it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Overview
This dish typically includes layers of cooked spaghetti, a creamy cheese filling (often made with cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta, and sour cream), ground beef or sausage in marinara sauce, and a generous topping of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Once baked, it turns into a creamy, cheesy, meaty, golden-brown pasta bake.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s also a great make-ahead meal — perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Swap: Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a more lasagna-like texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and use a veggie marinara or sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Add Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
- More Flavor: Stir some grated Parmesan directly into the cheese mixture for extra richness.
Tips for Success
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Since this casserole has simple ingredients, using a good-quality marinara or spaghetti sauce, fresh garlic, and real cheese (not pre-shredded) makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
2. Cook the Spaghetti Al Dente
Don’t overcook the pasta. Boil it just until al dente, since it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents the casserole from becoming mushy.
3. Season Each Layer
Flavor each component—especially the meat sauce—with herbs, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to boost flavor.
4. Blend the Cheese Layer Smoothly
If you're using cream cheese or ricotta, let it soften at room temperature and mix thoroughly with sour cream and cottage cheese. You can add an egg to bind the mixture for a firmer texture.
5. Use a Deep Dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a tall casserole, so use a deep 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps avoid overflow and ensures even layering.
6. Let It Rest Before Serving
After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing and serving much cleaner.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tricks
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60–75 minutes, or thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
Serving Suggestions
- Portions: A full 9x13-inch casserole yields about 8–10 servings, depending on how hearty the portions are.
- Pairing Ideas:
- A green side salad with Italian vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks are great for soaking up extra sauce.
- A steamed veggie side, like green beans or broccoli, adds nutrition and color.
- Toppings and Add-ins:
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added veggies.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or make it vegetarian with plant-based meat.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time. Its rich layers and baked cheese top make it look and taste like a million bucks—hence the name. With a few easy tricks like layering well-seasoned ingredients, using high-quality cheese, and letting it rest before serving, you can turn this easy casserole into a comforting, crave-worthy classic your family will request again and again.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, layered pasta bake that combines the best parts of lasagna and spaghetti. It typically features spaghetti noodles, a meat sauce (usually with ground beef or sausage), a creamy cheese layer (often cream cheese, ricotta, or sour cream), and a generous topping of shredded cheese. The name "Million Dollar" refers to its indulgent, creamy, and satisfying flavor — like a million bucks, without the cost.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is ideal for meal prep. You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When baking from cold, add about 10 extra minutes to the cook time. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and label. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What are some good variations or substitutions?
You can customize the casserole easily:
-
Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
-
Cheese: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta or blend cream cheese with sour cream for a richer layer.
-
Add-ins: Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
-
Pasta: While spaghetti is classic, other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work too.
How long does it take to cook and serve?
Total time is around 60–75 minutes:
-
Prep time: 20–25 minutes
-
Bake time: 40–50 minutes
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. It serves 8–10 people, making it perfect for families, potlucks, or leftovers.
