Million Dollar Spaghetti

When I make Million Dollar Spaghetti, I know it’s going to be a hit. It’s easy to prep ahead, and whether I freeze it or bake it fresh, it always tastes like a million bucks. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together and leaves them coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together if you follow my simple instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Drain it well and return it to the pot to stay warm.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown the ground beef and sausage (use Italian sausage if you prefer) in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces.

Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion softens, and everything is fragrant, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and remove the skillet from heat.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the butter to the warm spaghetti and stir until it melts completely. Pour in the prepared meat sauce and mix everything thoroughly.

Make the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Layer the Casserole

Evenly layer the cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pasta mixture across the entire dish.

Add Mozzarella and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.

Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

I’ve included some handy tips to make sure your Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time:

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the spaghetti so it doesn’t become too soft when baked. This will keep the texture just right.
• Room Temperature Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften for easier mixing and a smoother texture in the cheese layer.
• Spread Evenly: When layering, make sure the cheese mixture is spread evenly so every bite has the perfect amount of creamy goodness.
• Choose a Great Marinara: A jar of high-quality marinara sauce makes all the difference, so pick one you really enjoy.
• Golden Cheese Topping: For an extra golden top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked spaghetti to sit for 10 minutes to help the layers set and make slicing easier.
• Substitutes: Cottage cheese will work if you don’t have ricotta. Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.

How to Store Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti

The good news is that this delicious dish stores well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Let the spaghetti cool, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer.

When ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it at 350°F until warmed through.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is rich and comforting, so it’s always nice to pair it with something fresh and vibrant. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette works perfectly to cut through the richness and add a refreshing balance.

Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are a must-have on the side. Let’s be honest, they’re the perfect tools for soaking up all that delicious sauce, and who doesn’t love a little extra bread on the table?

If you want to add more veggies, roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are excellent choices. They bring a little color and some wholesome balance to the meal without stealing the spotlight.