Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Hey y’all! If you’re craving a comfort food classic that’s guaranteed to wow your family and friends, this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is calling your name. Packed with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special celebrations. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

• Ultra-creamy and cheesy layers that melt in your mouth.
• Hearty, filling, and budget-friendly for feeding a crowd.
• Easy to make ahead and reheat for busy nights.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors perfect for picky eaters and foodies alike.
• Customizable with your favorite proteins and veggies.

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (115g) sour cream
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup (90g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti: Step-By-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti noodles in salted, boiling water until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with onions until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Fold in half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

1. Place half the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Dot with cubes of butter for extra richness.
2. Spread all the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
3. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
4. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes for the Best Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

• For richer flavor, try using homemade marinara sauce.
• Soften cream cheese before mixing for a smoother filling.
• You can assemble the casserole up to one day ahead. Refrigerate covered, then bake as directed (add 10 minutes to baking time).

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and a squeeze of sriracha in the sauce.
• Four-Cheese Deluxe: Add provolone and fontina to the cheese layer for even more gooeyness.

Required Equipment for Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze baked spaghetti (whole or in portions) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
• For best texture, reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave.

Serving Recommendations for Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette.
• Serve with garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls.
• Round out your meal with a simple side like roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

• Let the casserole rest before slicing for clean pieces and creamier texture (learn more about baking pasta casseroles).
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
• Be sure not to overcook the pasta since it will continue baking in the oven.

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti FAQ

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, swap ricotta for an equal amount of small-curd cottage cheese for a similar creamy result.

Can I prep Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely – assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready (add a few minutes to baking time).

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and sauce; check that all cheeses and seasonings are gluten-free. Find helpful gluten-free pasta tips on Bon Appetit.

★★★★★ 4.80 from 120 ratings

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

yield: 8 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 50 mins

total: 50 mins

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a rich, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta casserole featuring layers of spaghetti, seasoned meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted mozzarella for a decadent family dinner.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 16 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. 2
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. 3
   In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
4. 4
   In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, then spread the cheese mixture evenly over it. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finish with grated Parmesan on top.
5. 5
   Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 530cal

Protein: 28 gg

Fat: 26 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 48 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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