The Ultimate Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe That Wows Every Time

Million dollar spaghetti brings serious comfort to weeknight dinners with its creamy, cheesy magic.

Layers of rich ingredients create a casserole that feels like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this hearty dish.

Creamy cheese and tender pasta meld together in a way that makes everyone at the table smile.

Each bite promises pure satisfaction without complicated preparation.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

You can’t help but fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Million Dollar Spaghetti That’s Worth Every Bite

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a decadent pasta dish that transforms ordinary spaghetti into a mouthwatering masterpiece packed with rich flavors and creamy textures.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: This one-pan wonder combines classic ingredients in a straightforward method, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Guaranteed to satisfy hungry families and dinner guests with its hearty combination of meat, cheese, and perfectly seasoned sauce that feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and weekend dinners, this recipe impresses without requiring complex cooking techniques or expensive ingredients.

What You’ll Need For Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation of this hearty casserole.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Rich meats that provide deep flavor and substantial texture to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall meat sauce flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that bring depth and balanced seasoning to the meat sauce.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a rich, velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty undertone to the creamy mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbly surface for the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

• Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grab a large baking dish and coat the inside generously with butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil a pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until it reaches that delightful al dente texture. Drain and set aside for the magic to happen.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, transform ground beef and Italian sausage into golden, crumbly goodness over medium-high heat. Break up the meat into small, tasty pieces.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Flavor

Toss minced garlic into the sizzling meat mixture. Let it dance around for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Create Savory Sauce

Stir marinara sauce into the cooked meat. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to amp up the flavor profile.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Grated parmesan

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 7: Build the First Pasta Layer

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the buttered baking dish. Carefully create an even layer of deliciousness.

Step 8: Add Creamy Goodness

Generously spread the cream cheese mixture over the first pasta layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Complete the Pasta Stack

Layer the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 10: Pour on the Meat Sauce

Completely cover the pasta with the meat sauce, making sure every nook and cranny gets some love.

Step 11: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

across the entire surface.

Step 12: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 13: Final Bake

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 14: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Tips You’ll Use

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage to create deeper, more complex meat sauce flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Let cream cheese mixture come to room temperature before blending to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency that spreads evenly across pasta layers.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting and serving easier without losing creamy texture.
• Avoid Dry Pasta: Slightly undercook spaghetti during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing potential mushy or dry pasta texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake directly from cold state, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

Tasty Twists For Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap marinara for spicy salsa, incorporate taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Magic: Substitute meat sauce with Greek-inspired lamb ragù, mix feta cheese into the cream mixture, and sprinkle kalamata olives on top for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
• Seafood Sensation: Replace ground meat with crab or shrimp, use a lighter white wine cream sauce instead of marinara, and garnish with fresh dill for an elegant seafood pasta casserole.

Pair Million Dollar Spaghetti Like A Pro

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat sauce, cutting through the creamy cheese layers with its tangy acidity.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companions: Crispy, buttery garlic bread slices work perfectly to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta.
• Create Fresh Side Salad Balance: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the dish's heaviness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Match with Crisp Italian Pilsner: Select a cold, light beer like Peroni or Birra Moretti that will refresh the palate and complement the rich, cheesy spaghetti casserole.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Storage Made Simple

• Transfer cooled spaghetti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to prevent dryness and restore moisture.
• Divide leftovers into individual serving-sized containers for quick, convenient meals.

Million Dollar Spaghetti FAQs At A Glance

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of meat sauce, cheese, and pasta makes this dish appealing to children. The mild Italian seasonings and cheesy layers are typically loved by kids.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What type of ground meat works best?

While the recipe uses ground beef and Italian sausage, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The key is to ensure the meat is fully browned and seasoned.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming dry?

The cream cheese mixture and meat sauce help keep the spaghetti moist.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent Million Dollar Spaghetti brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy layers of pasta perfection. Creamy cheese and hearty meat sauce meld together, creating a luxurious casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 16 oz pasta

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Topping:

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Herbs:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Other Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
4. Add minced garlic to the meat mixture and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir marinara sauce into the cooked meat, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and grated parmesan until smooth and creamy.
7. Layer half the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
8. Cover the cream cheese layer with the remaining spaghetti noodles.
9. Pour the meat sauce completely over the top layer of pasta, ensuring full coverage.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the entire surface.
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta just to al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Use high-quality marinara sauce for rich flavor, or make homemade sauce for an elevated taste experience.
• Mix different ground meats like beef, sausage, or turkey for varied texture and depth of flavor.
• Prepare dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg