If you love hearty, cheesy pasta dishes, then Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is about to become your new favorite meal. This dish takes everything you love about baked spaghetti and lasagna and layers it together into one rich, creamy, and delicious pasta bake. With a savory meat sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and plenty of melted mozzarella and parmesan, it’s a comfort food classic.
Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a make-ahead meal, this million dollar spaghetti casserole is budget-friendly and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make, even if you’re short on time!
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the best spaghetti casserole recipe from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This easy baked spaghetti recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients that come together perfectly.
Main Ingredients
✔ Spaghetti noodles – The foundation of the casserole. Cooked al dente for the best texture.
✔ Ground beef – Adds a rich and hearty flavor to the sauce.
✔ Italian sausage (optional) – For extra depth and seasoning.
✔ Marinara sauce – A flavorful tomato base for the meat sauce.
✔ Butter – Helps coat the noodles for extra richness.
✔ Cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream – This trio creates the signature creamy spaghetti casserole texture.
✔ Mozzarella and parmesan cheese – The perfect cheesy topping for that golden-baked finish.
Optional Ingredients & Variations
✔ Pesto spaghetti casserole – Stir pesto into the pasta for an herby flavor boost.
✔ Vegetarian spaghetti casserole – Swap out the meat for plant-based crumbles or roasted veggies.
✔ Gluten-free spaghetti bake – Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
✔ Ricotta instead of cottage cheese – For a smoother and more traditional cheese layer.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This spaghetti bake with cheese is super easy to prepare. Just follow these steps!
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Toss with butter to prevent sticking and add extra richness.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef (and sausage, if using) over medium heat until browned.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, reduce heat, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until smooth and well blended. This layer gives the casserole its signature creamy texture!
4. Assemble the Casserole
- First layer: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in a greased baking dish.
- Second layer: Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture on top.
- Third layer: Add the remaining spaghetti noodles.
- Fourth layer: Pour the meat sauce over everything.
- Final layer: Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Best with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
This cheesy spaghetti bake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with these side dishes:
Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to soak up all the extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – The fresh crunch balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers make great sides.
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The Perfect Side Dish – A decadent and cheesy pairing!
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
This million dollar spaghetti casserole is a great option for meal prep.
✔ Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
✔ Freezer-Friendly Spaghetti Casserole: Wrap the assembled (unbaked) dish in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Baking from Frozen: Thaw in the fridge for 1-2 days, then bake as directed.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
✔ Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ Reheat in the Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
✔ Reheat in the Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Want to change things up? Try these variations!
Vegetarian Spaghetti Casserole – Replace the meat with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Gluten-Free Spaghetti Bake – Use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free version.
Ricotta Instead of Cottage Cheese – A smooth, traditional option.
Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a kick.
Low-Carb Pasta Casserole – Use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
Million Dollar Spaghetti vs. Lasagna – What’s the Difference?
Both dishes are layered baked pasta recipes, but here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole | Traditional Lasagna |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta Type | Spaghetti | Lasagna Noodles |
| Cheese Layer | Cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream | Ricotta or béchamel |
| Meat Sauce | Marinara with ground beef or sausage | Marinara with ground beef |
| Texture | Creamy, cheesy, slightly stringy | Firm, structured layers |
Looking for another baked pasta recipe? Try this Beef and Spinach Lasagna – A Hearty Italian Classic!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers the Right Way
So, you’ve made a big batch of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, and now you have leftovers—lucky you! This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. But to keep it tasting fresh, it’s important to store and reheat it correctly.
Storing Leftovers
✔ Refrigerate Properly: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Portion for Convenience: If you plan on eating it in small servings, consider storing individual portions in separate containers. This way, you can grab a single serving without reheating the entire dish.
Reheating Leftovers
✔ In the Oven (Best Method):
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover spaghetti casserole in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
✔ In the Microwave (For Quick Meals):
- Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel (this keeps it from drying out).
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully warm.
✔ In a Skillet (For Crispier Texture):
- Heat a little butter or olive oil in a non-stick pan.
- Add a portion of spaghetti casserole and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.
- This method gives the edges a slightly crispy texture, which is absolutely delicious!
Can You Freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Absolutely! This freezer-friendly spaghetti casserole is perfect for making ahead and storing for later.
✔ Freezing Before Baking:
- Assemble the casserole but do not bake it.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Freezing After Baking:
- Let the baked casserole cool completely.
- Slice into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Reheating from Frozen:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until warmed through.
- If reheating a single frozen portion, microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
One of the best things about this easy baked spaghetti dish is how customizable it is. Whether you need a meat-free option, a gluten-free alternative, or just want to experiment with new flavors, there are endless ways to tweak this recipe.
Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Want to skip the meat? No problem! Here’s how to make a delicious vegetarian spaghetti casserole:
✔ Swap ground beef and sausage for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
✔ Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor.
✔ Use a marinara sauce with extra veggies to keep it hearty.
Gluten-Free Spaghetti Bake
For a gluten-free version:
✔ Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
✔ Double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
✔ If making a thickened sauce, opt for cornstarch instead of flour.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Spaghetti Casserole
Watching your carbs? You can still enjoy a cheesy baked pasta dish!
✔ Swap spaghetti noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
✔ Use a low-carb marinara sauce with no added sugar.
✔ Skip the cottage cheese and use full-fat ricotta or cream cheese for a keto-friendly version.
Adding a Spicy Kick
Love a little heat? Try these add-ins:
✔ Red pepper flakes or hot sauce mixed into the marinara sauce.
✔ Spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.
✔ A sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the cheese mixture for an extra punch.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole vs. Spaghetti Pie – What’s the Difference?
You may have heard of spaghetti pie, and while it sounds similar, it’s actually quite different from Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Let’s break down the key differences:
| Feature | Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole | Spaghetti Pie |
|---|---|---|
| Layering | Layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce | Uses an egg mixture to hold spaghetti together in a pie shape |
| Texture | Creamy, cheesy, and soft | Firm, almost quiche-like |
| Cheese Layer | Cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream | Usually ricotta and mozzarella |
| Shape | Baked in a casserole dish | Baked in a round pie dish |
Both are delicious, but if you want something extra creamy and cheesy, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the way to go!
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Food
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a guaranteed winner. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy cheese layer, hearty meat sauce, and melted cheese topping make every bite irresistible.
Plus, it’s so versatile! You can customize it to your taste, freeze it for later, or make it ahead for busy nights. It’s no wonder why this spaghetti bake with cheese has become a staple in so many households.
Want to try another delicious baked comfort food? Check out this Creamy and Cheesy Chicken Hash Brown Casserole—it’s just as rich, cheesy, and satisfying!
Now it’s your turn! Give this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Did you make any fun tweaks or substitutions? Drop a comment and share your thoughts!
More Delicious Recipes You Might Like
📌 Beef and Spinach Lasagna – A Hearty Italian Classic – Another layered pasta bake you’ll love!
📌 Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The Perfect Side Dish – The perfect pairing for this spaghetti casserole!
📌 Creamy and Cheesy Chicken Hash Brown Casserole – Another cheesy, family-favorite dish!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!