If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, flavorful hug, you have to try the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy cheeses with savory Italian sausage and rich tomato sauce all layered between perfectly cooked spaghetti. This casserole-style spaghetti transforms simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious dish that’s ideal for family dinners or sharing with friends. Once you master this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals whenever you want something hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious dish. From the savory sausage that adds depth to the creamy cheese trio that brings luscious texture, every element contributes to the irresistible flavor and appearance.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed): Provides rich, spiced meatiness that forms the heart of the sauce.
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Adds a robust tomato base that brings acidity and sweetness.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Delivers a light creaminess and a subtle tang to balance the dish.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (room temperature): Ensures the filling layers with silkiness and richness.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and helps blend the cheese mixture smoothly.
- 2 Tbsp parsley: Offers fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of color.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Gives a mild, comforting garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta base, cooked al dente for perfect layering.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, gooey finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by heating your oven to 350ºF and generously spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This little step ensures your pasta bake will lift out cleanly and keep its beautiful layers intact.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just al dente; this will prevent mushiness after baking. Drain well and set your noodles aside, giving you time to focus on the hearty meat sauce and creamy cheese filling.
Step 3: Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks for even texture. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce, combining the savory sausage and tangy tomato flavors perfectly before setting it aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
Mix together the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped parsley, and garlic powder in a large bowl. This creamy blend is what makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe truly special—it’s rich, tangy, and packed with flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the meat sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread the luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, pour the meat sauce over everything, and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese for that golden, bubbly topping everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the cheese will melt into a deliciously gooey blanket. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes—this rest helps everything set, making it easier to serve perfect slices.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves over the top just before serving to add a vibrant splash of color and fresh herbal aroma. If you love a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes make a fantastic optional garnish to brighten the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a crisp contrast. Garlic bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls are also amazing partners that soak up every last bit of that cheesy, meaty sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins for single portions that look picture-perfect. You can also layer it in clear glass casserole dishes to showcase the beautiful layers, making it a visual feast as well as a taste sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making each subsequent serving even tastier within three to four days.
Freezing
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is freezer-friendly! Place cooled portions in airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. When you want comfort food fast, just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, microwave individual servings or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350ºF oven until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help prevent drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work fine and still give you that hearty meatiness, though Italian sausage offers more herb and spice complexity if you want that signature flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Make sure your spaghetti sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free too, and you’re all set.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the spaghetti and prepare the cheese mixture ahead, then assemble everything just before baking to save time on the day you want to serve it.
What kind of spaghetti sauce works best?
A good quality marinara or traditional Italian-style spaghetti sauce works best to keep the dish authentic and flavorful without overpowering the creamy layers.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
Omit the parsley and garlic powder or reduce the sausage’s spice level to suit younger taste buds, and consider offering a simple side of steamed veggies to encourage well-rounded plates.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that blends comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect recipe to put on repeat when you want something that feels special yet comes together with everyday ingredients. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this cheesy, saucy, and simply sensational dinner in your rotation!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender spaghetti, creamy cheese mixture, savory Italian sausage, and rich spaghetti sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty casserole combines classic flavors into an easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Topping
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Sausage and Add Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and remove from heat.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Next, layer the remaining spaghetti on top. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the pasta layers, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set for cleaner servings.
Notes
- Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smoother, more even cheese mixture.
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for Italian sausage if preferred.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped onions or bell peppers with the sausage when browning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
