Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a decadent, cheesy, layered pasta bake that blends classic spaghetti with a rich, creamy cheese center and hearty meat sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. Its irresistible flavor, ease of preparation, and flexibility make it a timeless comfort food perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and leftover-loving weeknights alike.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings 15

Ingredients

– 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
– ½ pound ground beef
– ½ pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 small onion finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic minced
– 24 ounces marinara sauce
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 8 ounces cream cheese softened
– ¼ cup sour cream
– 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Make the meat sauce by cooking and crumbling the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then drain most of the grease. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for a few minutes until the onions become translucent. Stir in all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce (reserve the ½ cup for later), mix well, and set aside.
Prepare the noodles by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer the hot spaghetti into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce, tossing to combine evenly.
Make the cheese layer by mixing together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese in a bowl until smooth.
Assemble the casserole by spreading half of the pasta evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the cheese mixture over the pasta, smoothing it out. Top with the remaining pasta, then pour the meat sauce over the top and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.
Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly. Check it at around 20 minutes, and if the cheese starts browning too quickly, tent a piece of foil over the dish. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set. Enjoy!

Notes

To Make Ahead: You can prepare this spaghetti casserole up to one day in advance. Follow the recipe instructions through step 6 (just before baking), then allow the casserole to cool. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can prepare the sauce, noodles, and cheese layer separately 1 to 3 days ahead and assemble the casserole right before baking.
To Freeze: Prepare the recipe fully up to the baking stage. Cover the dish securely with greased aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days, then bake covered for about 20 minutes, followed by 20 to 25 minutes uncovered. If baking directly from frozen, bake covered for approximately 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti: Simply omit the meat entirely or substitute with your favorite plant-based meat alternative.
Ground Beef vs. Sausage: This recipe uses both ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich flavor, but you can use either one alone if preferred. If you do use both, consider saving any leftover Italian sausage (about ½ pound) to make dishes like Baked Ziti or Pizza Casserole.
Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice for Million Dollar Spaghetti, but feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape to suit your taste or what you have on hand.