If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender spaghetti noodles, hearty seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese blend that transforms an everyday pasta dinner into something truly special. Each layer melds together beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden casserole that’s comfort food at its absolute finest. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation for family dinners or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing meal that practically serves itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building flavors, adding creamy texture, or bringing that perfect cheesy finish that makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe unforgettable.
- Spaghetti noodles (1 lb.): The classic base that holds all the delicious layers together; make sure to cook them al dente for the best texture.
- Ground beef (1 lb.): Provides hearty, savory flavor and protein; choose lean or regular based on preference.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and seasoning.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp): Adds that familiar herby warmth that spices up the meat perfectly.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz. jar): The tomatoey base that keeps everything moist and packed with umami.
- Cream cheese (8 oz., softened): Gives the casserole a luscious, creamy depth that makes it unique.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and silkiness to the cheese mixture.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Brings subtle creaminess with just a touch of texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): Infuses sharp, nutty flavor into the cheese blend.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Offers that irresistible melty, gooey topping everyone loves.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming, boil your spaghetti noodles until they reach that perfect al dente stage — firm to the bite but not hard. Drain them well and spread them evenly in a greased 9×13 casserole dish, creating a sturdy base for this layered delight.
Step 2: Cook and season the ground beef
Next, toss the ground beef into a hot skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the salt and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with rich, aromatic notes. Cook thoroughly until browned, then drain any excess liquid to prevent the casserole from becoming watery — this step really lets the beef shine.
Step 3: Mix the noodles with marinara
Pour half a cup of marinara sauce over the spaghetti in your dish. Using tongs, give the noodles a gentle toss to coat them lightly in sauce. This step ensures every bite has a touch of zesty tomato flavor, keeping the noodles flavorful and moist throughout baking.
Step 4: Simmer the meat sauce
Add the remaining marinara sauce to the browned ground beef in your skillet and let it simmer on low for a few minutes. This melds the flavors and thickens the sauce, making it rich and saucy enough to layer generously over the noodles.
Step 5: Create the creamy cheese mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious blend is what gives the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe its signature luxurious texture and tangy cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Assemble the casserole
Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the sauced spaghetti layer in the casserole. Then, for that divine cheesy surprise, add dollops of the creamy cheese mixture right on top of the meat. Use a spatula to gently spread it out for an even layer of cheesy richness.
Step 7: Add mozzarella and bake
Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella covering the entire casserole. Bake your dish for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the cheese on top has melted to golden, gooey perfection. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes — this helps the layers set for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. You can also add a few red pepper flakes for a little heat or a dusting of extra Parmesan for a salty finish that makes this dish pop even more.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti shines alongside crisp green salads, garlic bread, or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. The freshness and crunch of these sides balance perfectly with the creamy, cheesy layers in the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for personalized portions. It also freezes well in single-serving containers for easy reheating, making weekday dinners a breeze. You can even turn leftovers into a pasta bake bake-off by adding fresh toppings or herbs before reheating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This casserole holds its flavors beautifully, making for delicious next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve that creamy texture and rich meaty flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power to keep the cheese creamy rather than rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works beautifully, you can also experiment with penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the pasta stays al dente before assembling the casserole.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. Just be sure to season well and cook the base sauce before layering.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if chilled.
What is the purpose of using cream cheese and cottage cheese together?
They create a rich, creamy texture with a nice tang and subtle curds that add complexity to the cheese layer. This combo helps balance the robust meat sauce with smoothness and depth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure your marinara sauce and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap for celiac friends and family.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe brings together bold flavors and creamy textures to create a dish that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe delivers serious satisfaction and keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try—you won’t regret adding this one to your favorite recipe collection!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and comforting baked pasta casserole featuring layers of spaghetti, savory ground beef, a creamy blend of cheeses, and marinara sauce. This hearty dish combines tender noodles with a flavorful meat sauce topped with a luscious cheese mixture and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. spaghetti noodles
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Sauces and Cheese Mixtures
- 1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, then transfer to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish to form the base layer.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with salt and Italian seasoning until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat or liquid from the pan.
- Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Pour ½ cup of marinara sauce over the noodles in the casserole dish and gently toss using tongs to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Add the remaining marinara sauce to the cooked ground beef in the skillet and simmer on low heat for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Meat Sauce: Spread the warm meat and marinara sauce mixture evenly over the sauced spaghetti in the casserole dish.
- Spread Cheese Mixture: Add dollops of the cheese mixture over the meat sauce. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly across the top layer.
- Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the cheese layer to create a gooey, golden top when baked.
- Bake and Rest: Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted. Allow the dish to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving to set the layers.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use low-fat or part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
- Adding fresh basil or oregano to the marinara sauce can enhance the flavor profile.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
