Who doesn't love a warm, hearty, and cheesy pasta dish? Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that blends the richness of spaghetti with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat, and tangy sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering or just craving a cozy night in, this recipe is your go-to solution. Stay with us as we walk you through this delicious dish step by step!

What is “Million Dollar Spaghetti”?
"Million Dollar Spaghetti" is a baked pasta casserole that brings together the best of both worlds: a rich, creamy cheese mixture and a savory, hearty meat sauce. Imagine spaghetti, but taken to a whole new level with layers of flavor. It’s not just about mixing spaghetti and sauce; this dish layers cream cheese, ricotta, ground beef, and marinara sauce to create a cheesy, meaty masterpiece. Each bite is indulgent, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Before we dive into cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. For this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe, you’ll need the following:
For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound of spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 pound of ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based option)
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (24 oz – choose your favorite brand or make your own)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for added flavor)
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese (optional, but adds great texture)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For Baking:
- Butter or cooking spray (to grease the baking dish)
- Foil (to cover the dish during baking)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Million Dollar Spaghetti is its versatility. There are several substitutions and variations you can make to suit your dietary preferences or simply to shake things up.
Meat Substitutes:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner option than beef.
- Sausage: Italian sausage can add a spicier kick to the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground "meat" or simply increase the amount of vegetables in the sauce.
Cheese Variations:
- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: You can swap one for the other or even mix in mascarpone for an extra creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: For a sharper taste, substitute some of the mozzarella with shredded cheddar.
- Vegan Cheese: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, there are many plant-based cheeses available that melt just like the real thing.
Pasta Substitutes:
- Gluten-Free Pasta: If you have a gluten intolerance, opt for a gluten-free version of spaghetti.
- Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash: For a low-carb alternative, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you've gathered all the ingredients, it's time to cook! Let’s break this recipe down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, if using.
Once the meat is cooked, pour in the jar of marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set this aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will serve as your decadent middle layer.
Step 4: Layer the Million Dollar Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish. On top of the pasta, spread the entire cheese mixture, creating a thick, creamy layer. Next, add the remaining spaghetti over the cheese layer. Finally, pour the meat sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the spaghetti evenly.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the Million Dollar Spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Boil Pasta: Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Sauté onions and garlic, brown the meat, and mix in marinara sauce.
- Mix Cheese Layer: Combine cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese, and sour cream for a creamy center.
- Layer: Assemble the dish in layers of pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Bake: Bake with cheese on top until golden and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooked pasta can become mushy once baked.
- Not Softening the Cream Cheese: If the cream cheese isn’t soft, it won’t mix well with the other cheeses, leading to a lumpy texture.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some tips on how to serve and present this delightful casserole:
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Family Style: Serve straight from the baking dish, letting everyone help themselves.
- Individual Portions: Cut the spaghetti bake into squares for easy plating.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Complement the rich flavors of the dish with crispy garlic bread.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad is a perfect accompaniment.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Leftovers: Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta you like.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply skip the meat and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Q: How long does Million Dollar Spaghetti last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it should last for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I use low-fat cheeses?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that the dish may not be as creamy. Full-fat cheeses provide a richer texture.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for any occasion. With its layers of cheesy goodness, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite. Now, gather your ingredients and get cooking—your million-dollar dinner awaits!
PrintMillion Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish with layers of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and a rich cream cheese mixture. It's the perfect comfort food for family gatherings and busy weeknights. Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, cheesy pasta, baked spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 package cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Grease a baking dish with butter, then layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti, then top with remaining pasta.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Add garlic or Italian seasoning to the sauce for extra flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
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