Some recipes are just meals. Others are events. The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole falls firmly into the second category—a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece that’s as rich in flavor as its name suggests. Despite sounding like a recipe fit for the elite, it’s actually a budget-friendly, family-approved dinner that’s easy to whip up and impossible to forget.
What Makes It “Million Dollar”?
It’s not about pricey ingredients—it’s about the taste and texture. This dish layers creamy, cheesy goodness between perfectly cooked pasta and a robust, savory meat sauce. The magic happens when it all bakes together, creating a symphony of flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth bite every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the creamy layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
½ cup sour cream
Other essentials:
16 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
