Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Works

Million Dollar Spaghetti has always held a special place in my family’s hearts. Growing up, it was one of those meals that felt incredibly special yet didn’t require hours of preparation. The creamy ricotta and cream cheese layer provides an exquisite richness, perfectly complementing the hearty sausage sauce and generous blanket of melted mozzarella. Every bite is a delightful experience, bringing everyone back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s a cozy, comforting, and an ideal solution for feeding a large group of people. For another twist on this concept, try my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!

• Ready In: Approximately 55 minutes
• Key Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Spaghetti, Ricotta–Cream Cheese Filling
• Servings: Yields 6–8 servings
• Difficulty: A manageable medium
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance or baked and frozen for up to 2 months.

Consider ending your meal with my Hidden Veggie Chocolate Muffins for dessert! Or, if you’re short on time, explore my 9 Easy Three-Ingredient Recipes for delicious and effortless desserts and dinners.

Made with love!

Watch: Step-by-Step Recipe Video

See how easy it is to make Million Dollar Spaghetti with this helpful video tutorial.

Simple Ingredients for a Million-Dollar Taste

This casserole combines classic Italian flavors – pasta, sausage, marinara, and cheese – to create a truly exceptional dish.

Much like my One Pot Sausage Orzo Soup, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Key Components of Million Dollar Spaghetti

Let’s break down the core ingredients that make this casserole so irresistible:

• Protein: Italian sausage is the star of the show, offering a bold and savory flavor. Choose between mild or spicy depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based crumbles.
• Pasta: Traditional spaghetti noodles are ideal for this casserole. Be sure to cook them *al dente* to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. Other long pasta shapes, like fettuccine, can also work well.
• Cheese Filling: A combination of ricotta and cream cheese creates a creamy and decadent middle layer that elevates the entire dish. Consider adding a touch of parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sauce: Marinara sauce provides the necessary sauciness and complements the other ingredients. Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or, for an extra touch, opt for homemade.
• Topping: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a golden, cheesy topping that’s simply irresistible. A blend of mozzarella and provolone can also be used for a richer flavor.

Looking for more ways to use Italian sausage? Check out my Italian Sausage and Potato Skillet or explore my 15 Best Ways to Use Italian Sausage for culinary inspiration.

Complete Ingredient List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

A full printable ingredient list with exact measurements is available in the recipe card below.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Variations and Customizations

Want to put your own spin on this classic casserole? Here are a few suggestions:

• Protein: Swap the Italian sausage for ground beef, ground turkey, or a plant-based crumble to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
• Cheese: If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the cheese mixture or the top of the casserole.
• Pasta: While spaghetti is the traditional choice, other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can be used if you prefer bite-sized pasta.
• Sauce: Enhance the flavor of the marinara sauce by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. For a richer sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste.

For all substitutions or additions I’ve noted for this recipe, please see the recipe card below.

For quick chicken dinner ideas, check out my Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken or Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas.

Easy-to-Follow Instructions: How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

This tasty pasta dish can be ready in just 35 minutes. You’ve got this!

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ground Italian sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Step 3: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce to coat the noodles evenly.

4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined and smooth.

5. Step 5: Layer half of the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti.

6. Step 6: Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the top layer of spaghetti.

7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sausage mixture.

8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

See the Printable recipe card for full information on how to make this recipe.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Cook pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole.
• Drain grease well: Removing excess grease from the sausage will prevent a greasy casserole.
• Cover tightly (optional): If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Let rest before cutting: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set slightly.

Million Dollar Spaghetti: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Bake the casserole first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, covered, at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese. However, keep in mind that it has a slightly different texture and flavor. For best results, drain the cottage cheese well before using it in the recipe.

What type of pasta works best for Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are ideal for this casserole, but you can also use other long pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine. Short pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne can also be used, but the texture will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions for Your Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Extra Toppings: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, basil, or extra parmesan cheese right before serving. For a touch of spice, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Appetizer: Start the meal with Garlic Knots or a fresh Tomato Bruschetta.
• Side Dish: Pair with Caesar Salad or Roasted Broccoli for a balanced dinner.

Million Dollar Spaghetti: Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Store: Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Bake first, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm the casserole, covered, in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

More Delicious Casserole Recipes to Explore

Looking for more comforting and easy-to-make casserole recipes? Check out these favorites:

Printable Recipe Card

5 from 1 vote

Million Dollar Spaghetti

By: Julia Pacheco

Million Dollar Spaghetti layers pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese for a baked spaghetti that’s as indulgent as it sounds.