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Million Dollar Spaghetti – A Comfort Food Classic

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food — a rich, cheesy, and flavorful baked pasta dish that tastes like a cross between lasagna and spaghetti casserole. Layers of tender noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, and a savory meat sauce are baked together until golden and bubbly. This dish gets its “million dollar” name from its indulgent flavor and decadent texture — the kind of meal you make when you want everyone at the table to go back for seconds. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and potlucks because it’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and reheats beautifully.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Sauce:
  • 1 lb spaghetti uncooked
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken/turkey
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
Cheese Layer:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Topping:
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowls (medium & large)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Colander
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
  2. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to let flavors blend.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Layer half of the spaghetti on the bottom.
  4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
  5. Add the remaining spaghetti.
  6. Pour the meat sauce over the top and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing so layers hold together.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
🥄 Variations
Meatless: Skip the beef and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella between layers.
Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes — it’s a great budget-friendly swap.
3. Do I have to use ground beef?
No — chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles work too.
4. How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Don’t overcook pasta and ensure enough sauce is used.
5. Can I bake it without covering?
Covering for the first bake prevents cheese from burning.
6. How do I make it creamier?
Add more sour cream or cream cheese to the filling.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use two baking dishes or a larger pan.
8. Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes — freeze before or after baking.
9. What pasta shape can I use instead of spaghetti?
Linguine, penne, or fettuccine work well.
10. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely — bell peppers, carrots, or spinach add nutrition and flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti is rich, cheesy, and satisfying — a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. With its creamy middle layer and hearty meat sauce, it’s like lasagna’s simpler, weeknight-friendly cousin. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.