Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti noodles; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter (for greasing and flavor); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Layers of cheesy, saucy goodness
Feeds a crowd—great for gatherings or leftovers
Easier to assemble than lasagna, but just as satisfying
Budget-friendly with everyday ingredients
Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti noodles
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Marinara or pasta sauce
Cream cheese, softened
Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
Sour cream
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Butter (for greasing the baking dish and flavor)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread half the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Layer all of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over everything.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper to the sauce.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat or substitute with plant-based crumbles.
Use different cheeses: Try mascarpone or goat cheese for a unique twist.
Add veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm sauces are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Why is it called “Million Dollar” Spaghetti?

Because it’s rich, indulgent, and tastes like a million bucks—even though it’s made with simple ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Should I cover it while baking?

No, bake it uncovered so the top gets golden and bubbly.

What’s the best meat to use?

Ground beef, sausage, or a mix of both work great for extra flavor.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a common substitute and works just as well in this recipe.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss the cooked spaghetti with a bit of butter or olive oil after draining.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Absolutely—choose your favorite marinara or pasta sauce for convenience.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well both before and after baking.

How long should I let it rest before serving?

Let it rest for at least 10 minutes so the layers can set and it slices more cleanly.

Can I bake it in smaller portions?

Yes, divide the recipe into smaller baking dishes or ramekins for individual servings.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, hearty casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy cheese layers, savory meat sauce, and cheesy topping, it’s comfort food at its finest—perfect for busy nights, guests, or whenever you want a satisfying meal that delivers on flavor and ease.