Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying baked pasta dish, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a must-try! It combines tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and a golden, bubbly topping to create a dish that tastes like a million bucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ultimate Comfort Food – A cross between baked ziti and lasagna, but easier to make.
✔ Loaded with Flavor – Layers of creamy cheese and meaty marinara make every bite delicious.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and freeze for an easy dinner.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a weeknight treat.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Meat Sauce:

1 lb spaghetti
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti 1 minute less than al dente according to the package instructions.
Drain, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and parsley. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 1 – Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the dish.
Layer 2 – Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Layer 3 – Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Layer 4 – Pour the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
Layer 5 – Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

🍞 Garlic Bread – A perfect side for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Simple Green Salad – Light and fresh to balance the richness.
🫒 Roasted Veggies – Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Storage & Reheating

✔ Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ Freeze – Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
✔ Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave individual portions.

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a dish that feels indulgent, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Try it today and taste why it’s called Million Dollar Spaghetti!