If you’re craving a true comfort food classic with a gourmet twist, Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is your ticket to weeknight magic. Imagine creamy layers of cheese melting between strands of perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato meat sauce bubbling over the top, all crowned with a golden, gooey blanket of mozzarella and parmesan. This recipe feels like a hearty lasagna and a dreamy cheese-filled casserole joined forces to pamper your taste buds. It’s just the sort of dish that feeds a crowd, brings “oohs” to the table, and leaves everyone racing for seconds.

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti recipe proves that remarkable flavor comes from humble pantry staples, each one playing its part in a showstopping meal. These ingredients blend together for layers of savory goodness, luscious texture, and eye-catching appeal.

Spaghetti (12 oz): Classic long pasta, perfect for capturing all that wonderful sauce and cheese.
Ground beef (1 lb): Adds rich protein and hearty flavor to the meat sauce.
Marinara or pasta sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): The backbone of the casserole, bringing tangy tomato flavor and moisture.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Delivers dreamily creamy texture to the cheese layer.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a subtle tang that balances all the richness.
Cottage cheese (1/2 cup): For extra creaminess and a touch of body in every bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The classic melt, giving that golden, bubbly finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, nutty flavor that ups the savory ante.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents sticking and helps start the base of the sauce.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with herby, aromatic notes.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle foundation of garlicky goodness without overpowering.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for tying all the flavors together.
Chopped parsley (optional): A pop of color and a fresh finishing flourish.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook it just until al dente, according to package directions. This ensures the noodles won’t get mushy later during baking. Drain the pasta well, then toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep the strands from sticking together while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build the Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Stir and break it apart as it cooks, making sure it turns a beautiful brown color all over. Once browned, drain off any extra grease, so the casserole isn’t oily. Stir in the jarred marinara or pasta sauce, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about five minutes—the aroma will get your appetite buzzing!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

While the sauce simmers, grab a mixing bowl and make the luscious cheese filling. Beat together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until everything is smooth and creamy. You want a velvety mixture that will melt seamlessly into the pasta layers, making each bite irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Lay in half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop the creamy cheese mixture across the pasta and use a spatula to spread it out. Layer the rest of the spaghetti on top, so you have a lovely cheese “sandwich” in the middle. Finally, pour over your fragrant meat sauce, spreading it all the way to the edges.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the saucy surface, followed by a scattering of grated parmesan. This irresistible blanket will become melty and golden as it bakes, crowning your casserole with bubbly, cheesy perfection.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and return to the oven, baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbly center and a beautifully golden cheese topping. Let the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, so it sets up gorgeously and slices cleanly.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley does more than add color; it brings a burst of freshness that brightens each bite and makes your Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti look as inviting as it tastes. You can also try a dusting of extra parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This rich, satisfying casserole is a star all on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides contrast and crunch, perfectly balancing the cheesy decadence. Warm garlic bread or a basket of soft dinner rolls is always welcome for sopping up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a date night or festive gathering, try baking Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti in individual ramekins for personal servings—adorable and practical! Or, scoop it out family-style onto a big platter and scatter with extra herbs for a rustic Italian vibe. Leftover squares also work beautifully tucked into lunchboxes for a next-day treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though don’t be surprised if your dish is devoured), let them cool fully, then cover tightly in the pan or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti keeps fresh for up to four days, and the flavors deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream! Assemble Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti up to the baking step, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You can also freeze cooked leftovers for up to two months, perfect for future busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your casserole dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. For single portions, a few minutes in the microwave works too, just be sure to cover so the cheese stays moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or sausage instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a mix of the two all work beautifully in Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti, giving slightly different flavor profiles. Just cook them thoroughly before adding your sauce.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based crumbled meat alternative or load up on sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to craft a hearty vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into cubes and microwave it in 10-second spurts, stirring between each, until just soft. It blends much smoother with the sour cream and cottage cheese this way!

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything up through the cheese topping, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven—allow a few extra minutes if it’s going in cold.

What makes Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti so special compared to regular baked spaghetti?

It’s all about the creamy cheese layer: the combo of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese melts into the pasta and sauce, making every bite tangy, dreamy, and supremely rich. Once you try it, plain baked spaghetti just can’t compare!

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti isn’t just a casserole—it’s pure comfort, celebration, and homey goodness all rolled into one. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just making life a little more delicious, this showstopper is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Don’t just take my word for it—gather your ingredients and let the magic happen!

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe