Million Dollar Spaghetti
This Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole recipe is super easy to make cook the pasta, brown the beef for the meat sauce, mix the 4 cheese layer, and bake it all together until bubbly.
This million dollar spaghetti is one of those meals that never fails. My kids inhale it every single time! It’s meaty, creamy, and cheesy like lasagna, but WAY easier. I throw in four different cheeses (including cream cheese), but you can use whatever’s left in your fridge and this million dollar spaghetti still turns out great, it’s kind of fail proof! I also use jarred marinara, but if you have time to make it from scratch, you know that’s always better. It’s nothing fancy, but it really does taste like a million bucks!
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
These step-by-step photos show how to make million dollar baked spaghetti, but be sure to check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. Skip to the → Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
1. Boil the spaghetti noodles
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with butter to coat and prevent sticking.
2. Cook the chopped onion until soft
Then, stir in minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan
Cook until browned, drain the fat, then stir in marinara and let it simmer.
4. Mix the cheese filling for the million dollar spaghetti
Combine cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan until smooth and fluffy.
5. Start the casserole with a layer of spaghetti
Spread half of the buttered noodles evenly in the greased baking dish.
6. Next add the cheese mixture over the spaghetti
Spread it over the noodles in an even layer.
7. Top with the remaining spaghetti
Spread them gently, in an even layer.
8. Spoon all of the meat sauce over the noodles
Spread it evenly to cover the surface.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella on the top of the million dollar spaghetti
Cover with foil, and bake until heated through.
10. Remove the foil and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly
Let it rest, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Full Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot, based on preference
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce store-bought or homemade
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to coat and prevent sticking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in 4 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta, 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the buttered spaghetti noodles evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Spread the cheese mixture (all of it) evenly over the noodles.
- Layer the remaining spaghetti noodles over the cheese mixture.
- Pour the meat sauce (all 4 cups) over the top layer of noodles, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese sit out first. It softens up and mixes way easier into the cheese layer.
- Slightly undercook the spaghetti. Since it finishes baking in the oven, this keeps the noodles from turning to mush.
- Scoop out excess oil from the beef. You’ll see it once it browns. Get rid of it, or your million dollar spaghetti casserole will turn greasy fast!
- Grease the baking dish well. It keeps things from sticking and saves you from scrubbing later.
- Let it rest at least 10 minutes before cutting. Just like lasagna, it needs time to set or it’ll slide apart.
How to Store Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing it after baking. It can get a little mushy. But you can assemble the entire dish ahead of time (uncooked), wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Then, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake.
- Make Ahead Tip: Prep the noodles, meat, and sauce the day before. Store them separately, then assemble everything right before baking!
Reheating
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until hot.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for1-2 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Make This Recipe Yours
- Add Veggies: Sauté 1 cup mushrooms until browned, and stir them into the meat sauce. Add 1 cup chopped bell peppers when you sauté the onions. Toss in 1 cup chopped spinach at the end of the sauce. It wilts fast, so your kiddos won’t notice it’s there!
- Spice It Up: Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes into the meat sauce for heat. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning if your sauce tastes flat.
- Try Different Proteins: Use 1 pound ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage. For a meatless million dollar spaghetti, replace both with 1 ½ cups cooked lentils or 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms.
- Make It Extra Creamy: Stir ¼ to ½ cup Alfredo sauce into the cheese mixture. And if you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can sub in ½ cup sour cream.
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Serving Ideas
- Veggies: Pair with green beans, glazed carrots, or canned carrots. Quick and easy.
- Bread Sides: Serve this easy million dollar spaghetti with garlic bread, cheese toast, or even a simple buttered roll. They’re all great for scooping up the cheesy, meaty sauce!
- Hearty Sides: Broccoli cheese casserole or a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes.
- Simple Salad: A side salad with ranch or Italian dressing adds a fresh bite.
How to Store Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing it after baking. It can get a little mushy. But you can assemble the entire dish ahead of time (uncooked), wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Then, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake.
Make Ahead Tip: Prep the noodles, meat, and sauce the day before. Store them separately, then assemble everything right before baking!
Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until hot.
Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
