There’s something magical about the smell of cheesy pasta bubbling away in the oven, isn’t there? Million Dollar Spaghetti is taking the internet by storm, and for good reason! It’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. Everyone from TikTok foodies to Pinterest pinners can’t get enough of this cozy bake.
This dish layers spaghetti with savory meat sauce, cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella, creating a dreamy casserole that feels like a warm hug. It’s like your grandma’s version, but faster and easier (cue the busy weekday sigh of relief!). It’s the ultimate pantry-friendly meal for busy families. Full details in the blog!
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole popular on Pinterest in the USA. This million dollar spaghetti casserole layers spaghetti with meat sauce, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a budget-friendly family meal. Enjoy this creamy million dollar spaghetti as a comforting dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
16 ounces spaghetti noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
salt and pepper to taste
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
3 Tablespoons butter
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat.
Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove most of the fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns see-through. Stir in all but half a cup of marinara sauce and take the mixture off the heat.
Cook the spaghetti following package directions just until it is al dente. Drain it and while still warm, place it in a large bowl with butter and the reserved half cup of marinara sauce and mix well.
In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese thoroughly.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti first, then spread the cheese mixture evenly over it. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, spread the meat sauce over the pasta, and smooth it out. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top.
Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes until it is hot and bubbly. Check after 20 minutes and cover with foil if the cheese browns too quickly. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can prepare this spaghetti casserole up to a day before baking by completing assembly and storing it cool and covered in the fridge
For freezing, assemble but do not bake
wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months
Thaw in the fridge 1-2 days before baking
To bake from frozen, cover and bake about 40 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 30-40 minutes until warm and bubbly
For a vegetarian option, omit meat or use plant-based substitutes
Both ground beef and Italian sausage are used for flavor but are optional
Spaghetti noodles can be swapped for your preferred pasta type
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Baked
Cuisine:Italian
Nutrition
Calories:350kcal
Sugar:4g
Sodium:605mg
Fat:19g
Saturated Fat:9g
Unsaturated Fat:1g + 6g
Trans Fat:0.2g
Carbohydrates:28g
Fiber:2g
Protein:17g
Cholesterol:60mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and practicality, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti. Each bite delivers creamy, cheesy goodness layered over savory meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This casserole has a nostalgic feel, perfect for chilly nights around the dinner table.
What makes this dish a crowd-pleaser is its ability to bring family members together over a warm, hearty meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, everyoneyes, even picky eaterswill be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it the ideal choice for families wanting to stretch a dollar without sacrificing flavor.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious layered casserole. Gather your ingredients and tools to get started:
Tools: Large pot, skillet, a meat chopper for crumbling the meat, and a 9×13 casserole dish to assemble it all.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works beautifully and adds to that creamy texture!
Simple Steps to Make It
Ready to get started? This cozy casserole is easy to prepare and will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps:
Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned. Season with salt and pepper! Drain the excess grease, then add the onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in most of the marinara sauce, reserving a little for later.
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and toss the noodles in a large mixing bowl with butter and the reserved marinara sauce while still warm.
Mix the Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy. This mixture creates your cheesy layer.
Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, spread half of the pasta, then the cheese mixture, followed by the remaining noodles. Top with the meat sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Check around the 20-minute markif the cheese starts to brown, tent the dish with foil.
Go Vegetarian: Replace the meat with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Pasta Variety: Though spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
Extra Cheesy: For more cheese, add extra mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking.
How to Serve & Store
After baking, let the dish rest for about 15 minutes to help it set. Serve generous portions with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up any sauce.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole before bakingjust cover it well. This makes a great option for busy nights ahead.
Storage Method
Duration
In the refrigerator
3-4 days
In the freezer (before baking)
Up to 3 months
Thawing (refrigerator)
1-2 days
Expert Says
When preparing Million Dollar Spaghetti, layering flavors is essential. Cooking the spaghetti al dente ensures it maintains some firmness, allowing it to absorb the rich sauce without becoming mushy. This method enhances both taste and texture, making each bite truly enjoyable.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Reddit!
The Quest for the Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti
After several attempts that resulted in clumpy noodles and sauce spills, I finally perfected this recipe’s balance of flavors and textures. Each try taught me patience, and now this dish is the cozy hug I’ve been searching for, bringing smiles to my family’s dinner table every time.
FAQs ( Million Dollar Spaghetti )
How long does it take to make Million Dollar Spaghetti?
This dish typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and an additional 45 minutes to bake. So, in just over an hour, you can enjoy a comforting, cheesy pasta meal that the whole family will love.
Can I make ahead Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat, keeping in mind that it may need a few extra minutes in the oven if baked straight from the fridge.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Spaghetti works best in this recipe for its texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce. Feel free to use a similar pasta shape like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer, but spaghetti is the classic choice.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it directly from frozen, adding some time to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These options add freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker serving, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.
Conclusion
Simply put, this Million Dollar Spaghetti is your new weeknight hero! In just about an hour, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy casserole that brings the family running. Picture the melty goodness enveloping perfectly cooked noodles and savory meat! Trust me, everyone at your table will be asking for seconds.
If you want to switch things up, toss in some sautéed veggies or sprinkle in Italian seasoning for an extra kick! And if you have leftoversif, but let’s be honestyou can store them in the fridge for several days or freeze for a future cozy dinner. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen? A quick zap in the microwave brings back that gooey goodness!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you have a favorite dish that felt just as comforting growing up? Share your photos or stories in the comments below! And don’t forget to save and share this recipe with those you lovebecause every home deserves a taste of this warmth. Happy cooking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
