Million-Dollar Spaghetti (Easy Casserole Recipe)

If you’re looking for a classic comfort food that’s big on flavor and simplicity, Million-Dollar Spaghetti offers everything you want in a casserole dinner. This dish brings together the hearty, familiar taste of spaghetti, creamy cheese layers, and savory meat sauce in one baked creation. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you need a reliable meal that everyone will love.

What is Million-Dollar Spaghetti?

Million-Dollar Spaghetti takes the best qualities of pasta casseroles and lasagna but keeps things refreshingly straightforward. Imagine layers of tender spaghetti, a lush mixture of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream, a rich beef and tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese on top. Every bite is creamy, hearty, and packed with classic Italian-inspired flavors. Unlike traditional lasagna, there’s no need to wrestle with noodles or make bechamel—just assemble and bake.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients give the spaghetti its signature “million-dollar” richness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one makes a difference:

Spaghetti: This is the backbone of the casserole. Cook until just al dente for the best texture.
Ground beef: Provides a meaty, savory base for the sauce. Lean beef works well to minimize grease.
Spaghetti sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara or homemade tomato sauce keeps things quick. Look for sauces with Italian herbs for extra depth.
Onion and garlic: Fresh aromatics boost the flavor of the meat sauce.
Green onion: These add freshness and a mild, tangy bite to the creamy layer and as a final garnish.
Cream cheese: Blends into the middle layer to make it silky and rich.
Ricotta cheese: Contributes creaminess and body, creating a soft texture alongside the cream cheese.
Sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and helps balance the richness of the cheese.
Shredded cheese: A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar melts beautifully for a golden, bubbly top.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring together the layers.
Optional extras: Red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or chopped fresh herbs like basil for added aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a simple guide to building and baking this crowd-pleasing casserole.

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than the package recommends. Drain, then set aside. Slightly undercooked pasta prevents mushiness during baking.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onion is tender—about 7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Drain off excess fat.
Pour in the spaghetti sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to blend.

3. Mix the Creamy Layer

In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream until smooth. Add half the sliced green onions and fold them into the mixture. This layer melts during baking, creating a creamy center.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Use a 9×13-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish, lightly greased.

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom.
Dollop and spread the entire creamy cheese mixture over the pasta.
Layer the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
Pour the beef sauce evenly over everything.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese mix across the top, spreading it to the edges for thorough coverage.

5. Bake

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden, bubbling, and starting to brown at the edges.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining chopped green onions over the casserole. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this makes slicing easier. Serve while hot, straight from the dish.

Tips for the Best Million-Dollar Spaghetti

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since it bakes again in the oven, slightly firmer noodles will hold up.
Drain the beef well: This keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
Soften cream cheese before mixing: Letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes makes blending easier.
Allow it to cool before cutting: Resting helps the casserole stay neat when slicing.

Variation Ideas

You can make this recipe your own by adjusting ingredients and flavors. Here are some suggestions:

Swap the protein: Use Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a new flavor profile.
Vegetarian version: Skip the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.
Change the cheese: Try mozzarella, provolone, or gouda for variation in the topping.
Add heat: Mix red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little kick.
Boost nutrition: Stir in spinach, kale, or bell peppers with the meat sauce.
Crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or seasoned bread crumbs over the cheese before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Million-Dollar Spaghetti is ideal for planning ahead. You can assemble it up to a day before baking or freeze it for later.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in a tightly covered container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Assemble in a disposable foil pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to a month.

Reheating

Single servings: Microwave leftovers uncovered for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Whole casserole: Reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a few minutes if baking from chilled.

Making Ahead

You can put the entire unbaked casserole in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If chilled, allow a few extra minutes in the oven. This is a handy option for parties or busy evenings.

Component	How to Store	Shelf Life	How to Reheat
Leftover slices	Covered, fridge	Up to 3 days	Microwave
Unbaked casserole	Wrapped, fridge	24 hours	Oven, add time
Frozen casserole	Wrapped, freezer	1 month	Thaw & bake

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like penne or rotini works well. Just use the same total pasta weight and always cook it al dente.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
You can swap in gluten-free spaghetti and top with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.

Do I need to cook the pasta first?
For the best texture, pre-cooked pasta is essential. Raw pasta won’t bake to the right consistency with these sauce ratios.

What sides go with Million-Dollar Spaghetti?
It pairs well with a simple salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

Million-Dollar Spaghetti stands out for its versatility, generous yield, and reliable crowd-pleasing factor. Baking the spaghetti in sauce, cheese, and creamy layers ensures every forkful is flavorful. The method is simple: Just cook the layers, assemble, and leave the oven to do the rest.

With a few pantry staples, you can turn ordinary spaghetti night into a memorable occasion that feels both homey and a little bit special. There’s a reason recipes like this have stuck around for generations—they deliver on comfort and convenience, all in one bubbling dish.