Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting baked pasta casserole that combines tender spaghetti, a savory ground beef marinara, and a luscious creamy cheese layer, all topped with a golden, bubbly mozzarella crust. It’s a satisfying family meal that feels indulgent but is budget-friendly to make.
This recipe’s secret lies in the creamy cheese layer made with softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, which creates a velvety texture that balances the hearty meat sauce. Slightly undercooking the spaghetti ensures it holds up well through baking, keeping the layers distinct and the pasta perfectly tender.
Ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, Million Dollar Spaghetti stores beautifully and can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when needed. A 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish is perfect for even heat distribution and a nicely browned cheese topping.
The flavor is rich and savory with Italian seasoning and garlic notes, while the creamy cheese layer adds a tangy, cheesecake-like depth. This dish will especially appeal to fans of classic comfort food and cheesy casseroles, pairing well with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
See Next Page =>
