If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the richness of cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This baked spaghetti casserole is not only easy to assemble but also bursts with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with hearty Italian sausage and ground beef. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and homey, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without a fuss. Trust me, once you try this golden, bubbling masterpiece, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature creamy-goodness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 16 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that holds the creamy and meaty layers together.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage: Boosts the flavor profile with a hint of herbs and spice.
- 1 small onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce: Brings a tangy, rich tomato base that ties everything together.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Creates a luscious, creamy texture throughout the dish.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds moisture and a mild tang – you can substitute it with ricotta if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Boosts creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to form that gooey cheesy topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a nutty, savory kick on top for extra flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the meat and sauce perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right bit of spice.
- 2 tablespoons butter (sliced into pats): Dotting the top helps create a golden, bubbly crust while baking.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, drain it well, and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion together until they are fully cooked and fragrant. Add the minced garlic last and cook for an additional minute to bring out its essence. After this, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes so all the flavors intermingle beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
While your meat sauce is simmering, blend together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream in a separate bowl until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This mixture is what gives the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe its signature richness and luscious texture, balancing out the heartiness of the sauce and pasta.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Start by layering half of your cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Next, lovingly spread the creamy cheese mixture across the pasta for that perfect comfort-food layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, then pour the warm meat sauce evenly over it, allowing every corner to be covered in saucy goodness. To finish, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses generously over the top, and place the sliced pats of butter here and there. This topping will melt and brown to a golden, irresistible finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden, signaling that all the flavors have melded and the dish is ready to be devoured. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 10 minutes — this step helps it set up, making the slices neater and the experience even more enjoyable.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving. A light dusting of additional Parmesan can also add a delightful finishing touch, complementing the cheesy richness with a sharp, salty contrast.
Side Dishes
This cheesy spaghetti casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to provide freshness and balance. Garlic bread or warm, crusty breadsticks also make superb sides, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or smaller baking dishes, creating personal-sized Million Dollar Spaghetti servings. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or drizzle a little basil pesto on top for added color and a burst of herbal flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners that don’t require reheating fuss.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. You can assemble the entire casserole in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for freshly baked goodness anytime you want.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, the microwave works fine—just heat in short increments to keep the cheese creamy and the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta is a great substitute if you prefer a smoother, creamier texture without the curds, and it won’t drastically change the flavor profile of the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or a medley of roasted vegetables for a hearty and delicious alternative.
Can I prepare the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge before baking. This makes meal prep easier and allows the flavors to marry even more.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully, but you can also use other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne if preferred.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe has a mild spiciness mainly from the Italian sausage and black pepper. If you like it spicier, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough that you try the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe soon. It manages to be both comforting and decadent, perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a tasty, cheesy indulgence. Once you taste those layers of creamy cheese, savory meat, and perfectly baked pasta, you’ll understand why it’s called “Million Dollar.” This recipe truly brings joy to the table and is sure to become one of your all-time favorites!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and creamy baked pasta casserole featuring a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a rich cheese mixture layered with spaghetti and marinara sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 16 oz spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Cheeses
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Fats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom, then spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
- Add Meat and Cheese Toppings: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top spaghetti layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the sauce. Dot the surface with pats of butter to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to let it set. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred for a smoother texture.
- This dish freezes very well. Assemble it ahead of time and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
