The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti
The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti combines tender spaghetti noodles, savory seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese filling, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan into one unforgettable casserole. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, it's ideal for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, and meal prep. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor using everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 oz (450 g) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Meat Sauce
- 1½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz (680 g) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with the butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread half of the buttered spaghetti into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest texture.
- Ricotta cheese can replace cottage cheese if preferred.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly.
- Allow the casserole to rest before slicing.
- Homemade marinara sauce adds even more flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
- The casserole tastes even better the next day.