Million Dollar Spaghetti

Do you ever get a craving for something warm, cheesy, and a little bit nostalgic — the kind of meal that makes you slow down and smile? I remember a rainy night when I made this for the first time and my kitchen smelled like a little Italian trattoria; my partner kept peeking into the oven like it was a magic trick. If you’re new to layered pasta dishes, the idea of assembling and baking might feel intimidating, but I promise this Million Dollar Spaghetti is easy and forgiving — and if you enjoy baked pasta, you might also like this layered version I recommend: Million Dollar Baked Ziti.

A Quick Look at This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti is all about two things: a hearty meat sauce and a rich, creamy cheese layer. The comforting, melty cheeses (cream cheese + ricotta/sour cream) make every forkful feel indulgent without a lot of fuss. This recipe is a winner for busy weeknights because you can cook most of it on the stovetop and then let the oven do the finishing work. Beginners love it because the steps are straightforward and forgiving — it’s hard to mess up. Keep reading to learn tips, easy swaps, and how to get a golden, bubbly top every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Essentials

• 1 pound spaghetti — regular or whole wheat, cooked al dente
• 2 tablespoons butter — to toss the hot pasta and keep it from sticking
• 1 pound ground beef — the base of the meaty sauce
• ½ pound turkey or chicken Italian-style sausage (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped — adds sweetness and depth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — don’t skip this for flavor
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar) — store-bought is fine for speed; pick your favorite brand
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — or a mix of dried basil and oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste — season as you go
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened — creates the silky, “million dollar” richness
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese) — ricotta is traditional, cottage cheese is a good budget swap
• 1 cup sour cream — adds tang and creaminess
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — for a salty, aged flavor in the topping
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese — for the melty golden finish

Optional add-ons

• Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms — sauté these with the onion for extra veg and texture
• Crushed red pepper — if you like a little heat, add to the meat sauce or sprinkle on top
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish — brightens the finished dish and makes it feel fresh
• A squeeze of lemon zest into the cheese mixture — unexpected brightness that plays well with ricotta
• Spinach (fresh or frozen, squeezed dry) — fold into the cheese layer for a green boost

Substitutions and shortcuts

• Sausage swap: If you don’t want meat variety, skip the sausage or use ground turkey/chicken instead of ground beef. If you do use sausage, pick turkey or chicken sausage.
• Cheese shortcuts: If you don’t have cream cheese, use an extra 1 cup ricotta + ½ cup Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess. Cottage cheese can replace ricotta one-for-one.
• Sauce: Use a good-quality jarred marinara for convenience. For more flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste or a splash of balsamic vinegar as the sauce simmers.
• Pasta: If you’re short on time, use store-bought cooked spaghetti (heat-and-eat) and reduce your baking time by 5–10 minutes.
• Make-ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time if coming straight from the fridge.
• Low-fat options: Use low-fat ricotta and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version; the dish will still be comforting but slightly less rich.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Preheat and prepare the pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente — that means just tender with a tiny bite to it, because it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well and immediately toss it with the 2 tablespoons of butter so the strands separate and stay glossy.

Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later; a splash of starchy water helps everything cling together.

Step 2 — Brown the meat and aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and, if using, the turkey or chicken Italian-style sausage (remove casings if needed and crumble into the pan). Cook, breaking the meat up with a spatula, until nicely browned and cooked through — about 6–8 minutes. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, another 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Drain off any excess fat from the skillet — you want the sauce savory but not greasy.

Step 3 — Make the meat sauce

Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the browned meat mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors marry. Taste and adjust seasoning — a pinch of sugar can tame overly acidic tomato sauces, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami if you like.

Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside while you prepare the cheese layer.

Step 4 — Mix the creamy cheese layer

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup ricotta (or cottage cheese), and 1 cup sour cream. Use a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add a little salt and pepper if needed. If you want herbs in the cheese layer, stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil now.

This creamy mix is the heart of what makes this dish “million dollar” — it’s rich, slightly tangy, and melts into the pasta for a silky texture.

Step 5 — Layer the casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Start with half of the buttered spaghetti, spreading it into an even layer across the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it gently with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Next, add half of the meat sauce, spreading it into an even layer.

Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, the rest of the cheese mixture, and then the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the top evenly with ½ cup grated Parmesan and the 2 cups shredded mozzarella.

Tip: Press layers down gently so there are no big air pockets. If you like more cheese in the middle, reserve a handful of mozzarella to sprinkle under the foil for an extra gooey middle.

Step 6 — Bake until bubbly and golden

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully (watch for steam) and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes. You want the top to be bubbly and the mozzarella lightly golden.

If you’re starting with a cold casserole (straight from the fridge), add another 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time so the center heats through.

Step 7 — Rest and garnish

When the baking is done, let the Million Dollar Spaghetti rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers settle so you get tidy squares that hold together. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top and serve with extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper on the side for anyone who wants a little heat.

Serving tip: Use a wide spatula to lift portions from the casserole. A simple green salad and crusty bread make a perfect, cozy dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a layered pasta like Million Dollar Spaghetti is forgiving, but a few predictable missteps can make the difference between a great bake and a soggy one. Here are common mistakes I see and how to avoid them so your version shines.

Mistake 1: Overcooking the pasta

If you cook the spaghetti until it’s too soft, it will become mushy after baking. Aim for al dente — slightly firm — because the pasta will absorb sauce and continue to cook in the oven. If your pasta sticks right after draining, toss it with the butter immediately to keep the strands separate.

Mistake 2: Using a watery sauce or skipping draining

A too-thin or watery sauce can make the casserole runny. If your jarred marinara is thin, simmer it a bit to reduce and concentrate flavors before layering. Also, don’t skip draining the cooked meat fat — excess grease pools in the casserole and makes the top soggy rather than golden. Use a clean paper towel to blot off any stray oil from the pan if needed.

Mistake 3: Baking straight from the fridge without extra time

If you assemble the casserole cold and put it in the oven, the center will take longer to heat through. Always add about 10–15 minutes of covered baking time when starting from chilled. This ensures even heating and a properly melted center without burning the top.

Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Spaghetti

This dish is rich and comforting, so lighter sides and a bright finishing note balance the meal beautifully. I like to keep the sides simple so the casserole remains the star.

Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, a touch of mustard, and salt cuts through the richness. The acidity refreshes your palate between cheesy bites.

Garlic bread or crusty loaf

Warm, toasty garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. For a lighter option, toast slices brushed with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley instead of heavy butter.

Steamed or roasted vegetables

Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple medley of zucchini and bell peppers bring color and nutrients to the plate. Roasting with a little olive oil and garlic keeps things flavorful without adding heaviness.

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Conclusion

I hope you give this Million Dollar Spaghetti a try — it’s easier than it looks, wonderfully customizable, and perfect for cozy weeknights or feeding a crowd. If you want to see another popular take on a hearty, layered pasta that’s made similarly indulgent, check out this well-loved Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe on Tastes Better From Scratch for more inspiration and variations.

FAQs About Million Dollar Spaghetti