Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz. dried spaghetti; 2 x 24 oz. jars pasta sauce (divided); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion (peeled and diced); 4 garlic cloves (peeled and finely diced or minced); 1 pound ground beef; 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 oz. ricotta cheese; 8 oz. cream cheese (softened); 3 cups mozzarella cheese (divided); 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you are searching for a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious crowd-pleaser, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This layered masterpiece combines tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a heavenly blend of cheeses to create a casserole that is as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. The warmth of Italian seasoning, the creaminess of ricotta and cream cheese, and the golden, bubbly mozzarella topping all come together in perfect harmony, making every bite a celebration of comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with bright red chunky tomato sauce positioned at the top left. Below it on a white marbled surface are a whole garlic bulb and a light brown onion. Centrally placed is a white bowl of smooth, creamy white sauce. To the right of this bowl are fresh green parsley leaves at the top, a small clear glass bowl of shredded pale yellow cheese in the middle, and a rectangular block of white cream cheese on brown parchment paper near the bottom. Below the cream cheese is a small white bowl filled with light yellow olive oil. To the left at the bottom is raw ground meat laid out on brown parchment paper inside a white dish. On the far right, partially visible, are uncooked yellow spaghetti strands neatly laid out. A small white bowl with a mix of green and brown herbs is placed in the center near the other ingredients. The background is a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe means gathering a handful of staple ingredients that are easy to find and essential for building that rich, satisfying flavor and texture we all crave. Each item plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of savory layers and cheesy goodness.

16 oz. dried spaghetti: The foundation of the casserole, cooked al dente to hold its shape and absorb flavors beautifully.
2 x 24 oz. jars pasta sauce (divided): Use your favorite marinara or tomato basil sauce to infuse each layer with vibrant tomato flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the onions and garlic, releasing their sweet and pungent aromas.
1 onion (peeled and diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast, building depth in the meat sauce.
4 garlic cloves (peeled and finely diced or minced): Garlic delivers that essential fragrant punch that wakes up the palate.
1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a rich, meaty base for the sauce.
3 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile with a classic Italian touch.
8 oz. ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, slightly tangy richness to the cheese layer.
8 oz. cream cheese (softened): Enhances the smoothness and melt-in-your-mouth quality of the cheese mixture.
3 cups mozzarella cheese (divided): Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible stretchy, golden crust on top.
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (for serving, optional): A fresh, herbal garnish that adds color and a pop of brightness.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cook the dried spaghetti according to the package directions until just al dente so it retains some bite even after baking. Drain the pasta well, then toss it with one jar of the pasta sauce to coat each strand with that luscious tomato flavor. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the components.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent. Toss in the garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant—this step builds the aromatic base that gives the sauce its soul. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon and cooking until no pink remains. Stir in the Italian seasoning and pour in the remaining jar of pasta sauce. Let it come to a gentle simmer, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together before removing from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Cheeses

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. This combination creates a rich, creamy layer that contrasts perfectly with the meaty tomato sauce and tender pasta—this is one of the magic elements that makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe so irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grab a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce, then dollop and gently spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Follow with half of the remaining meat sauce, the remaining spaghetti, and finally the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the last 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella generously on top—this will give the casserole its mouthwatering golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the assembled dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbling and beautifully browned. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving; this resting time helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut perfect portions.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular casserole dish filled with two visible layers: the bottom layer consists of a dark brown, crumbly meat sauce, topped with a thicker layer of light orange spaghetti noodles twisted and spread unevenly across the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with a brown onion and a white garlic bulb on the left and some fresh green parsley on the right. The scene is bright and clean, with natural daylight highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of vibrant green that brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note to each bite. For an extra touch, you might also consider grating some Parmesan cheese on top right before serving for a salty, nutty flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, cutting through the richness of the cheese and beef. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is also a perfect side to mop up every last bit of sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try assembling mini portions of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins before baking to create personal servings. These are perfect for entertaining or meal prep. You can also float a handful of sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or olives between the layers for added texture and flavor bursts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is properly cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent excess moisture buildup.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm up the entire casserole in a 350°F (180°C) oven covered with foil until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. Remove the foil near the end for a fresh, melty cheese top.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well. Just be mindful it cooks faster and can dry out easier, so keep an eye on your sauce and consider adding a splash of broth or extra pasta sauce to maintain moisture.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and verify your pasta sauce ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll enjoy the same rich flavors without compromise.

Can I prepare the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

While cream cheese adds wonderful creaminess, you can substitute it with mascarpone or even an equal amount of ricotta. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

How do I get the cheese topping golden and bubbly without burning it?

Baking covered with foil for the first 30 minutes locks in moisture, then uncovering for the last 10 minutes allows the cheese to brown without burning. Keep a close eye during those last minutes to achieve the perfect golden crust.

Final Thoughts

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Its combination of comforting ingredients, straightforward preparation, and awesome flavor means it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or treating yourself, this casserole offers a beautiful balance of cheesy, meaty, and tomatoey goodness that’s sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how fabulous homemade comfort food can be!