Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food casserole, layered with creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and buttery pasta baked until bubbling and golden.

If you've never made million dollar spaghetti before, you are in for such a treat. This recipe is like a cross between baked ziti and lasagna, but somehow even more comforting.

It's got everything I love in a pasta bake: creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, plenty of melty mozzarella, and buttery layers of spaghetti that somehow taste even better the next day. It's cozy, indulgent, and totally worthy of the name.

The first time I made this, it was on a total whim. I had leftover ricotta, half a tub of sour cream, and exactly one block of cream cheese in the fridge. I didn't want lasagna, but I did want something creamy and cheesy and ridiculously satisfying.

And I remembered seeing some one on TikTok layering spaghetti with all kinds of cheesy goodness to make the viral million dollar spaghetti recipe.

It was so good that it's now one of my go-to recipes when I want something easy but still special.

Why you'll love this million dollar spaghetti

You can prep it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you're ready.
It's the kind of recipe that feels fancy but uses totally everyday ingredients.
Leftovers taste amazing, somehow even better the next day after all the flavors settle in.

close up photo of a million dollar spaghetti

What you'll need

Spaghetti - I use regular spaghetti because it holds up well in the oven and soaks up all that saucy goodness. Also, because it's million dollar spaghetti, isn't it?

Meat - I like to use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for maximum flavor but you can totally use just ground beef if that's what you have.

Marinara sauce - I use a good store-bought marinara to save time. It's best to choose one you actually like the taste of on its own.

Ricotta cheese - It adds creaminess and lightness to the cheese layer.

Cream cheese - This is what makes it feel like a million bucks - it's rich, smooth, and just melts into everything.

Sour cream - For a slight tang and extra creaminess.

Mozzarella cheese - For that perfect stretchy cheese pull.

Butter - Yes, there's a lot of butter in this recipe but this is what keeps the pasta moist and adds that super rich flavor.

Red onion and garlic - Sautéed together, they're the perfect flavour base. I use red onion for a little extra sweetness.

Italian seasoning - Just a teaspoon or two brings everything together and gives the sauce that "you made this from scratch" taste.

Pro tip

Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set so you can slice it cleanly.

How to make million dollar spaghetti

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, sauté the red onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the ground beef and sausage, cook until browned, then stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the marinara sauce. Let it simmer while you prepare the rest.

million dollar spaghetti making instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth and creamy.

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the remaining marinara sauce until evenly coated.

adding mozzarella to a million dollar spaghetti

adding marinara to a million dollar spaghetti

To assemble, dot the bottom of the baking dish with half the butter, then layer half the spaghetti and half the cheese mixture. Add the rest of the spaghetti, the remaining cheese mixture, and dot with the remaining butter.

Spread the meat sauce on top, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Substitutions and variations

If you're out of ricotta, cottage cheese works great as a substitution.
Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped zucchini to sneak in some extra goodness.
Make it vegetarian by substituting plant-based meat or sausage.

Helpful tips

Spread that cheese mixture out gently so you don't pull the spaghetti up with every swipe; a silicone spatula is great here.
Don't forget to cover with foil for the first bake; this way, the cheese stays soft and melty inside while everything heats through without drying out.
You can easily make it ahead. Assemble the whole dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate, then bake it straight from the fridge, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time.

What to serve with baked million dollar spaghetti

Garlic bread or cheesy toast - Because more carbs are always the right move with baked pasta.
Simple green salad - Something fresh with a zippy vinaigrette to balance all that rich, cheesy goodness.
Sautéed greens - Quick garlicky spinach or kale adds warmth and contrast without much effort. It's a side that says, "Yes, this meal has some vegetables."

Leftovers and storage

Let your million dollar spaghetti cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
This dish freezes really well. I cut leftovers into squares, wrap them individually, and stash them for busy nights. They reheat like a dream!
You can also assemble the dish and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

More cozy casserole recipes

If you've tried this million dollar spaghetti recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.

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