What happens when creamy, cheesy comfort meets a meaty spaghetti bake? You get the unforgettable Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This dish combines the rich layers of a lasagna with the heartiness of spaghetti—tied together with indulgent cream cheese and a golden baked finish. If you’re craving something cozy, carb-y, and utterly soul-satisfying, this recipe is your jackpot.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck show-stoppers, this casserole is both make-ahead friendly and easy to reheat. The contrast of the creamy layer nestled between bold meat sauce and tender pasta will surprise anyone who takes the first bite. It’s rich, filling, and best served in generous portions.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create a seamless Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, having the right tools at your fingertips is key:

Large Pot: Needed to boil your spaghetti to al dente. You want enough space so the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
Large Skillet or Saute Pan: For browning the ground beef and sausage and simmering the marinara. A wide base ensures even cooking.
Mixing Bowls: For combining the creamy cheese layer. You’ll need at least one medium-sized bowl.
9×13 Baking Dish: The heart of this casserole, allowing for the perfect layered structure.
Colander: To drain the spaghetti without water logging your casserole.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Makes folding the cheese mixture and layering the dish easier.
Foil: Crucial for covering the dish during the first bake so the cheese doesn’t brown too early.

With these in place, your preparation becomes not just easier but enjoyable. Think of this recipe as kitchen therapy—a little slicing, stirring, layering, and then a lot of comfort food at the end.

Ingredients for the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Each ingredient plays a unique role in creating the casserole’s unforgettable richness:

Spaghetti: The foundation. It brings the satisfying bite and structure to hold the creamy and meaty layers.
Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: A duo that adds savory depth and meaty heartiness. The sausage brings a little spice and fat for added flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Ties the meat together and adds a comforting tomato base.
Cream Cheese: Melts into a smooth layer that gives the dish its signature creamy bite.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: Adds extra creaminess and mild tang that balances the richness.
Sour Cream: Enhances the creamy layer with slight tang and smoothness.
Butter: Prevents the pasta from sticking and boosts flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For melty, stretchy, cheesy goodness on top.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick to the cheese layer.
Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: To build flavor in every layer.

How To Make the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the full creamy cheese layer. Add the remaining pasta, then cover with all the meat sauce. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve and Store Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This dish is best served warm, fresh from the oven, with its cheese bubbling and golden. Cut it into squares like a lasagna, and pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch of color and freshness.

For storing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and heat in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This dish also freezes beautifully—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, bake as directed (adding 10 extra minutes if it’s straight from the fridge).

Is cottage cheese necessary?

Not strictly! You can use ricotta for a smoother texture or blend the cottage cheese if you prefer a creamier result.

Can I substitute the meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a lighter version. You can also skip the sausage and double the beef.

How do I prevent watery casserole?

Be sure to drain your pasta well and simmer your sauce long enough to thicken. Also, let it rest before cutting.

Can I freeze this before baking?

Yes, it’s a great freezer meal. Assemble the casserole, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Use a flavorful, thick marinara—homemade or store-bought—with minimal sugar and quality herbs. It forms the heart of the meat sauce, so go for bold flavor.

Want More Pasta Casserole Ideas?

If the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole has won your heart, there’s plenty more pasta comfort to explore.

For something with a spicy twist, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe delivers heat and creaminess in every bite. If you’re craving variety in shape and sauce, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta brings a satisfying beefy richness with a creamy finish.

Or switch up your pasta shape entirely with Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni, which pairs a creamy Alfredo with garlicky sausage for a flavor-packed meal.

For a bold Southern-inspired bake, the Sloppy Joe Casserole is an unexpected hit that satisfies every age group. And don’t overlook the ever-popular Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti that’s just as creamy and crave-worthy.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you give this casserole a try, I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Did you add a layer of spinach? Share your twist in the comments—it’s always inspiring to see how these dishes come to life in your kitchens.

And for more comforting recipes I post daily, check out my Pinterest page: LadyPlate on Pinterest