Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite

Bylina

If you’re looking for the kind of dinner that makes everyone run to the table, this Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is exactly what you need. Rich, comforting, and absolutely loaded with flavor, it brings together the best parts of spaghetti, lasagna, and baked ziti — all in one gooey, cheesy, crowd-pleasing bake.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole lives up to its name — it tastes like a million bucks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, Cheesy, and Totally Satisfying
  • Perfect for Make-Ahead and Freezer Meals
  • Kid-Friendly and Great for Leftovers
  • Feeds a Crowd with Ease
  • All the Flavors of Lasagna Without the Fuss

What Makes It “Million Dollar”?

This dish gets its name from the rich combination of ingredients layered together to create a creamy, savory, cheesy bite every single time. We’re talking:

  • Cream cheese blended with ricotta or cottage cheese
  • A layer of hearty meat sauce
  • Buttery spaghetti noodles
  • And plenty of melted mozzarella and parmesan on top

It’s indulgent, comforting, and the kind of casserole that’s destined to become a family tradition.

Ingredients

For the pasta & layers:

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the meat sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the topping:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

How to Make It

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Boil pasta just until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the cheesy layer
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the meat sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer in this order:

  1. Half of the cooked spaghetti
  2. All of the cheese mixture
  3. Remaining spaghetti
  4. Meat sauce
  5. Mozzarella and parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Rest and serve
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips for the Best Casserole

  • Don’t overcook the spaghetti – It will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Let it rest before slicing – This helps everything hold together nicely.
  • Use quality sauce – A good marinara makes a big difference in flavor.
  • Add veggies – Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers blend right in.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

To Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

To Freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

What to Serve With It

  • Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
  • A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
  • Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies
  • A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal — it’s a cozy, creamy, melty bite of home. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down, shared with neighbors, and requested again and again. When you need a dependable, delicious dinner that makes everyone happy, this is the one.