The Unforgettable Million-Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Everyone Loves

Pasta nights reach new heights with this million-dollar spaghetti that promises pure culinary magic.

Rich layers of cheese and hearty sauce create an irresistible combination that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Comfort meets luxury in every single bite of this incredible dish.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust meat and perfectly cooked noodles.

Each forkful tells a delicious story of careful preparation and bold flavors.

The secret isn’t just in the ingredients, but in the love you’ll pour into making this spectacular meal.

This recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience that people will be talking about for weeks.

Come hungry and watch how quickly plates get cleaned when this spaghetti hits the table.

Why Million-Dollar Spaghetti Feels So Rich

• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: This Million-Dollar Spaghetti delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen complexity, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours preparing.
• Comfort Food Champion: Loaded with creamy cheese layers, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this casserole transforms traditional spaghetti into a rich, satisfying dinner that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul.
• Meal Prep Superstar: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – an ideal solution for hectic weeknights or potluck gatherings where you need a reliable, filling meal that impresses everyone.
• Family Dinner Winner: Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, meaty pasta bake, making it a guaranteed hit for family meals where pleasing multiple taste preferences can be challenging.

What Goes Into Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that forms the foundation of the dish, best when cooked al dente.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy bottom layer.

• Ground Beef, Sausage: Hearty meats that provide robust flavor and protein, choose lean varieties.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian taste.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the meat sauce's depth and complexity.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth, rich filling with tangy notes.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melting cheeses that provide golden, bubbly topping with sharp and mild cheese flavors.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Optional seasoning for added warmth and slight heat.

Easy Steps For Million-Dollar Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of generously salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Craft Hearty Meat Sauce

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables soften and become fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce, keeping a small portion aside for later. Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 4: Layer Your Culinary Masterpiece

• Scatter butter slices across the bottom
• Spread half the cooked spaghetti
• Evenly distribute the creamy cheese mixture
• Add remaining pasta
• Top with additional butter slices
• Pour the meat sauce all over
• Drizzle reserved marinara
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbling surface. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Cut into generous portions and enjoy the layers of comfort and flavor!

Tips For Million-Dollar Spaghetti Success

• Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushy texture, ensuring a perfect bite and authentic Italian feel.
• Grease-Free Goodness: Thoroughly drain meat after browning to avoid excess oil pooling in the final casserole, keeping the dish light and appetizing.
• Cheese Blend Magic: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until completely smooth for a luxurious, creamy layer that binds the entire dish together.
• Strategic Layering: Distribute butter slices between pasta layers to create rich, moist pockets of flavor and prevent dry spots in the casserole.
• Resting Rule: Allow the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps set the layers and makes serving cleaner and more elegant.

How To Store Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Refrigerate leftover spaghetti casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored, this hearty dish will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and avoid absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months by placing cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying.
• Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating to maintain food safety and preserve the delicious flavors of your million-dollar spaghetti.

Tasty Sides With Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti perfectly complements the rich meat sauce, cutting through the creamy cheese layers and enhancing the savory flavors.
• Crisp Side Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy casserole, adding a fresh, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft, cheesy spaghetti layers.
• Refreshing Beverage Option: Enjoy a cold Italian-style beer like Peroni or Moretti, which cuts through the richness and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty dish.

Fun Twists On Million-Dollar Spaghetti

• Spicy Southwest Spaghetti: Add diced jalapeños and chili powder to the meat sauce. Replace marinara with a zesty salsa verde for a fiery kick. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Swap ground meat with roasted eggplant and zucchini. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil. Use sun-dried tomato sauce instead of traditional marinara for a rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Lean Green Protein Bake: Substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken. Incorporate spinach and kale into the cheese mixture. Top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a protein-packed, healthier version of the classic casserole.
• Mushroom Truffle Elegance: Replace half the meat with sautéed wild mushrooms. Stir a touch of truffle oil into the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh thyme and shaved Parmesan for a gourmet dining experience.

Million-Dollar Spaghetti FAQ List

• What makes Million-Dollar Spaghetti different from regular spaghetti dishes?

This recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a rich, creamy casserole by layering pasta with a decadent cheese mixture and meat sauce, creating a more indulgent and comforting meal that feels like a complete dinner experience.

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground beef and sausage, you can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences or pantry ingredients.

• Is Million-Dollar Spaghetti suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this dish lighter or healthier?

To lighten the recipe, use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and lean ground meats. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase the nutritional value without compromising the delicious flavor.

Million-Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Million-dollar spaghetti delivers pure comfort with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta perfection. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that makes any dinner feel like a special celebration.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) spaghetti noodles

Meat and Sauce Components:

• ½ pound (227 grams) ground beef
• ½ pound (227 grams) Italian sausage
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (226 grams) cottage cheese

Toppings:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅔ cup (150 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta strands by immersing them in a generously salted boiling water bath. Cook until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. In a spacious skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage, carefully eliminating any excess fat. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate marinara sauce, reserving a small portion for later. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
3. Create a luscious cheese blend by combining cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Warm the oven to 350F. Strategically arrange butter slices across the bottom of a prepared baking vessel. Layer half the cooked spaghetti, then spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly. Add the remaining pasta and dot with additional butter slices.
5. Cascade the meat sauce over the layered pasta, ensuring complete coverage. Drizzle the reserved marinara for an extra burst of flavor. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top.
6. Transfer to the heated oven and bake uncovered until the casserole becomes gloriously bubbling and the cheese melts into a golden, enticing crust. If the cheese browns too rapidly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest and settle for several minutes. This brief waiting period ensures cleaner, more defined serving portions and allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Notes

• Select high-quality ground beef and Italian sausage for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free blending with other cheese ingredients.
• Generously salt pasta water to enhance the base flavor of the spaghetti before combining with robust meat sauce.
• Consider draining meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy and heavy.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano mixed into the cheese layer for an aromatic twist on the classic recipe.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking.
• Allow dish to rest after baking to help set the layers and make slicing cleaner and more presentable.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg