Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

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Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Pasta Layer

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Creamy Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

How to Make Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to let flavors develop. Remove from heat.

Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

  1. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish.
  2. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
  3. Spread the entire creamy cheese mixture evenly on top.
  4. Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
  5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Why This Casserole Is a Family Favorite

  • Creamy, cheesy layers in every bite
  • Hearty and filling
  • Easy to make ahead
  • Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
  • Perfect leftovers

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti

  • Use full-fat cheeses for the creamiest texture
  • Don’t overcook the pasta—it will bake again
  • Let the casserole rest before slicing
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Tasty Variations

Chicken Million Dollar Spaghetti

Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Extra Cheesy Upgrade

Add a layer of provolone or fontina cheese.

Low-Carb Option

Substitute spaghetti with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Cover and warm in oven at 170°C / 325°F until heated through

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks
  • Pair with a crisp green salad
  • Add a glass of iced tea or lemonade 🥗

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole truly lives up to its name. With its creamy center, rich meat sauce, and golden cheese topping, it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a gathering, this casserole guarantees smiles, full plates, and requests for seconds 

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