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 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.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce. This gives the casserole that beautiful, golden cheesy crust once baked.
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.Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a tall casserole, so use a deep 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps avoid overflow and ensures even layering.
After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing and serving much cleaner.
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.
