Million Dollar Spaghetti

by girlstar742 · January 11, 2026

Million dollar spaghetti is a rich, layered pasta bake made with tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese layer that bakes up bubbly and irresistible. This comforting casserole-style dinner gets its name from its indulgent, crowd-pleasing flavor — it tastes like a million bucks with very little effort.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meals, this baked spaghetti recipe is hearty, filling, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple salad for an easy, comforting meal everyone will love.

This is a Simply Made Recipe provided by Lilly Ashley. Good recipes, without the paragraphs and fluff to sift through. Save the sifting for the baking!

Prep Time, Cook Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the meat sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Make the creamy layer

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Assemble the casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish. Top with the creamy cheese mixture. Add the remaining spaghetti, then spread meat sauce evenly over the top.