Million Dollar Spaghetti – Easy Creamy Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food casserole that tastes like a million bucks but costs just pennies per serving. Layers of spaghetti, creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella bake together into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. It's a complete meal in one pan, and leftovers (if any!) are even better the next day. Plus, it's endlessly customizable to suit your family's taste.

Get ready to make your new favorite pasta bake – it's easy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

About the Ingredients

12 oz (340g) spaghetti

Use regular spaghetti; you can substitute with bucatini or linguine. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite GF spaghetti.

1 lb (450g) ground beef

Ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.

1 small onion, diced

Yellow or sweet onion adds sweetness. If you're short on time, use 1/2 cup frozen diced onion.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best, but you can use 1 teaspoon garlic powder if that's what you have.

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

Use your favorite jarred sauce, or make your own. Look for a sauce with low added sugar for a healthier option.

1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese

Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture. You can substitute cottage cheese (blended for smoothness) if needed.

1/2 cup sour cream

Full-fat sour cream adds richness. Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute.

1 large egg

Helps bind the ricotta mixture. If you're allergic, you can omit it – the casserole will still hold together.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. You can also use 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste, especially if your sauce is already salty.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best.

2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

Shred your own for better melting. You can also use a pizza cheese blend.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds the most flavor. For a sharper taste, use Pecorino Romano.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the spaghetti

Cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package directions, as it will continue cooking in the oven. You want it al dente.

Drain the spaghetti well

Excess water can make the casserole watery. Toss the drained spaghetti with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Let it rest before serving

After baking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

4. Add the Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

5. Mix the Ricotta

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.

6. Layer the Casserole

Spread one-third of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti over the sauce. Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti. Top with the remaining spaghetti, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the top.

7. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan evenly over the top.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.

9. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Delicious Variations

Vegetarian

Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and 1 cup of spinach, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Spicy

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the meat sauce, and use a spicy marinara.

BBQ Twist

Swap the marinara for BBQ sauce and use smoked mozzarella for a smoky, tangy version.

How to Store Million Dollar Spaghetti

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope your family loves this Million Dollar Spaghetti as much as mine does! If you try it, be sure to leave a rating and comment below – I'd love to hear how it turned out. Don't forget to share this recipe with a friend who loves comfort food!

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti: a creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with savory meat sauce, ready in 50 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. 2Cook the Spaghetti — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. 3Brown the Beef — In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. 4Add the Sauce — Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. 5Mix the Ricotta — In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
6. 6Layer the Casserole — Spread one-third of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti over the sauce. Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti. Top with the remaining spaghetti, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the top.
7. 7Top with Cheese — Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan evenly over the top.
8. 8Bake to Perfection — Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
9. 9Rest and Serve — Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For the best flavor, use a high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan. The resting time after baking is crucial for clean slices – don't skip it!

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Casserole

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat