If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing spaghetti casserole, my Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is an absolute must-try! I’ve spent years perfecting this version so it comes out creamy, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection every time.
From the first bite, you’ll taste the rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and perfectly seasoned ground beef blended with spaghetti sauce and pasta! It’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family! This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet good enough for holidays or special occasions!
Who doesn't love spaghetti? I mean come on! I love making my baked spaghetti and meatball dinner too, but it doesn't have that creamy texture that a meat lasagna does. This pasta is so good and it's so easy to make! You'll get the flavor and feel of lasagna but without all the hassle!
The beauty of this spaghetti casserole is that it’s an easy, one-dish dinner. You can cook the pasta on the stove, prepare the cheesy mixture in a bowl, and then pour everything into a greased dish for baking. When it comes out of the oven, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy, flavorful dinner that’s hard to resist.
Jump to:
- This is the BEST Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe!
- What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
- Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Ingredients
- How to Make the BEST Million Dollar Spaghetti
- How to Serve This Recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Tips for Making This Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Storing Leftovers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Casserole Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
This is the BEST Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe!
My family can’t get enough of this Million Dollar Spaghetti. The whole family loves the flavor of this easy dinner, and they don't realize how easy it was to make! I love a lasagna just as much as the next person, but it can be hard to make! This has the same flavors of lasagna, except way easier to make!
You won't believe how fast and easy this comes together! I just boil the pasta while cooking the meat and onions in a pan, mix together the cheeses in a bowl, and layer everything together in a greased baking dish. Plus, any leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights.
What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is essentially a rich, creamy baked spaghetti casserole loaded with cheeses, seasoned meat, and spaghetti sauce. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese gives it a creamy, texture that’s more filling and creamy than traditional spaghetti.
Whenever I make this is always reminds me of making a meat lasagna except easier! You don't have to worry about burning your hands on the pasta and you layer the cheese, sauce, and pasta. That's a win in my book!
Why is it called Million Dollar Spaghetti?
The name “Million Dollar Spaghetti” comes from how cheesy and rich this spaghetti casserole is. It’s a cheesy, creamy, flavorful dish that tastes like a million bucks but is made with simple, accessible ingredients. Everyone feels like they’re getting a restaurant-style meal right at home.
Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy and delicious recipe:
- Spaghetti pasta. If you don't want to use spaghetti, you don't have to! Use your favorite variety of pasta.
- Ground beef. Use 93/7 or 90/10. Any higher fat than that and you might get a recipe that is a little too fatty.
- Italian sausage. If you've got some extra sausage, make some Bisquick sausage balls!
- Vegetables. Like any classic pasta with red sauce, we'll be using both yellow onions and garlic.
- Spaghetti sauce. You can make your own homemade marinara sauce or jarred pasta sauce works too!
- Cheese. We'll be using cream cheese that is softened, cottage cheese, and ricotta cheese. Then, we'll be topping everything with some shredded parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded parmesan is easiest, but if you can shred it yourself, I find there's more flavor and better in all dishes.
- Sour cream. To make the dish even a little more creamy!
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make the BEST Million Dollar Spaghetti
Step 1
Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and boil the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3
Pour the spaghetti sauce into the meat mixture, stir well, and simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the flavor meld.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and pepper. Make sure to mix it really well so you don't have chunks of cheese throughout the pasta.
Step 5
Grease a 9x13-inch dish with butter. Spread half of the cooked pasta on the bottom, then layer half of the meat and spaghetti sauce mixture.
Dollop half of the creamy cheese mixture over the top. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, meat, and cheese mixture.
Step 6
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How long do you bake million dollar spaghetti?
After layering the pasta, meat mixture, and cheese mixture in a greased dish, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Let it sit a few minutes before serving so the casserole can set.
Can you prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
You can totally prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time! Just boil the pasta and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage with onions and garlic, then mix your cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and pepper in a bowl.
Layer half the pasta in a greased dish, pour half the meat and spaghetti sauce mixture on top, and spread half the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, cover with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When ready to serve, bake at 350 degrees F for 25–35 minutes until bubbly and golden, then let it sit a few minutes before slicing. You can even freeze it ahead! Just thaw overnight and bake the next day.
How to Serve This Recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Serve this creamy spaghetti casserole straight from the dish, garnished with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, sourdough bread, or a quick sourdough discard dinner roll. You can also serve some veggies with it! I love serving sauteed Italian eggplant or crispy brussels sprouts with this meal.
Tips for Making This Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Cook pasta al dente! Don’t overcook it because it will continue to bake in the oven.
- Grease the dish well! Use butter, olive oil, or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix cheeses thoroughly! Blend cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, and cottage cheese in a bowl so make sure it's super creamy and there are very few lumps.
- Change up the sausage! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy Italian sausage for some more flavor.
- Always pour the meat mixture over the pasta and then top with the cheese mixture. This will give you the best cheesy filling!
Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely before putting it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can you freeze million dollar spaghetti?
Yes! You can freeze the baked spaghetti casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350 degrees F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to the meat or pasta layers.
Yes, you can warm the layered mixture in a pan over medium heat, but baking ensures even melting and a golden top.
Sure! You can use linguine, angel hair pasta, or your favorite shape of pasta.
Did you make this recipe and love it?
If you did, don't forget to leave a 5-star review and comment below! Show me your creation on Instagram or Facebook. Just mention @Lynn'sWayofLife or use this hashtag #lynnswayoflife.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1 lb Ground beef 85/15, 90/10, or 95/5 are good choices
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 3 cloves Garlic Diced
- 24 oz Spaghetti Sauce
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Sour Cream Full fat
- 1 cup Cottage cheese
- ½ cup Ricotta cheese Full fat or low fat
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with diced onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir the spaghetti sauce into the meat mixture and simmer 3–5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, ricotta, parmesan, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Grease a 9x13-inch dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread half the pasta on the bottom, then half the meat mixture, and half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, meat, and cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente. It will finish baking in the oven without getting mushy.
- Add some veggies! Try tossing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor.
- This is a great meal to make ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months.
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