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Million Dollar Spaghetti baked with melted cheese and meat sauce in a casserole dish.

Million Dollar Spaghetti – Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food casserole that tastes like a million bucks! This creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish features layers of tender spaghetti, a rich meat sauce, and a luscious cream cheese mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep, this budget-friendly recipe serves 8 and comes together in just over an hour. Make it ahead, freeze it for later, and watch your family fall in love with every single bite!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, American–Italian, Comfort Food
Servings 8 Perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Calories 538 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan (for meat sauce)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (medium and small)
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater (if grating cheese fresh)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Aluminum foil (for covering the casserole)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti (about half a standard box)
  • Salt for the pasta water

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Pan

  • ¼ cup butter, sliced into thin pats

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

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

  • Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up large chunks of meat, for about 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
    Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors blend.

  • Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

    In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.

  • Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    Arrange half of the sliced butter in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce over the top and spread it evenly. Arrange the remaining butter slices on top.

  • Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce.

  • Step 6: Bake

    Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.

  • Step 7: Rest and Serve

    Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner servings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Expert Tips

  • Don't overcook the pasta. Cook spaghetti until al dente—it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy.
  • Let it rest before slicing. Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and gives you cleaner, more beautiful slices.
  • Use full-fat dairy. For the richest, creamiest texture, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
  • Season in layers. Season the meat sauce as it cooks, not just at the end. Layered seasoning creates a more complex flavor.
  • Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
  • Freeze for later. This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble in a foil pan, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Keyword Baked Spaghetti Casserole, Comfort Food Casserole, Creamy Spaghetti Bake, easy weeknight dinner,, Ground Beef Pasta Casserole, Million Dollar Spaghetti