If comfort food had a jackpot, this would be it. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the kind of cozy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing dinner that earns its name with every bite. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, tender spaghetti, and bubbly melted mozzarella come together in one golden-baked dish that tastes like a million bucks—without the price tag. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or making something hearty for a potluck, this casserole delivers on flavor, ease, and comfort. Bonus: it freezes beautifully and can be customized to suit your cravings.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
1 lb spaghetti
Salted water, for boiling
For the Meat Sauce
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Layer
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Garlic powder and salt, to taste
For the Topping
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom.
Spread the entire cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Top with the remaining spaghetti, followed by the meat sauce.
Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top. Add extra Parmesan and herbs if you like.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Pasta Tip: Slightly undercooking the spaghetti helps prevent it from getting mushy during baking.
- Make it Meatless: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based alternative.
- Cheese Swap: Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta if you prefer or have it on hand.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
FAQs
Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine will work. Just avoid very small shapes like orzo, which might get lost in the layers.
Do I have to use all the cheese layers?
Nope! You can adjust the creaminess to your taste. If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce or skip the cream cheese or sour cream.
What sides go well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great additions. It’s also rich enough to stand alone.
How long will leftovers keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.