Million Dollar Spaghetti

If you love baked pasta dishes, this Million Dollar Spaghetti will be your new favorite! Packed with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a rich, creamy cheese filling, it’s then topped with even more gooey cheese and baked to golden perfection. One bite, and you’ll feel like a million bucks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked spaghetti casserole is pure comfort food at its finest. It combines the best parts of lasagna and spaghetti into one irresistible dish. While it does take a little time to prepare, it’s simple to make and budget-friendly—perfect for feeding a crowd!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti – Layers of pasta give this dish its signature lasagna-like texture.
Italian Sausage – Use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
Onion & Garlic – Essential aromatics for a rich, flavorful base.
Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a subtle heat (optional).
Marinara Sauce – Use a high-quality jarred sauce or make your own.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy top layer.
Cream Cheese – Softened for a smooth, creamy texture in the filling.
Ricotta Cheese – Adds extra richness and a slight tang.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for added depth of flavor.
Garlic Powder & Oregano – Enhances the cheesy filling with Italian flavors.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13” casserole dish.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano until smooth.
Cook the Pasta: Boil spaghetti, cooking it two minutes less than package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the sausage and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, then drain excess fat. Add to the pot with spaghetti, along with the marinara sauce. Toss to coat.
Layer the Casserole: Spread half the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over it. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with shredded mozzarella.
Bake & Serve: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake until the center is hot, then broil the cheese topping.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Side Salad – A fresh green salad with homemade dressing balances out the richness of the pasta.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Note that the longer it sits, the softer the pasta will become.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on low heat in a covered saucepan.
Freezing Leftovers: Not recommended, as the pasta texture may become mushy.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap sausage for ground beef or use a 50/50 mix.
Adjust spice levels by increasing red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage.
Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for the cheese layer.
Try a mozzarella-cheddar cheese blend for a different cheesy finish.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out!