This delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti is a pasta casserole made with layers of meat sauce, cheese, and spaghetti. Compared to a lasagna, it's more cheesy and easier to make. This recipe makes a big batch so it's amazing for meal prep!
Looking for more pasta recipes? Try my Ravioli Lasagna or Homemade Spaghetti next!
About This Recipe
The first time I saw Million Dollar Spaghetti was a few years ago on TikTok. It's been in my saved folder since, and I'm finally making it for this week's meal prep. Personally, I hate making lasagna because it's too cumbersome layering the different components, but this is much easier, so I knew I wanted to try it.
And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! It's got all the meatiness and cheesiness of lasagna but with spaghetti instead. I bought my own marinara/pasta sauce, so it came together super quickly. The only real cooking you have to do is sauteeing the onions, garlic, and Italian sausages. The rest is just combining ingredients.
I think this recipe would be amazing for a potluck. You can easily assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it right before serving. Everyone will love it!
Key Ingredients
Dried spaghetti: You'll want to boil this beforehand, but make sure to undercook it slightly as it'll finish cooking in the oven.
Meat sauce: For this, you'll need Italian sausages, onions, garlic, marinara sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Cheese mixture: For this, you'll need cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Butter: Cut into cubes and scattered at the bottom of the casserole. These add extra richness and keep the pasta moist.
Mozzarella & parmesan: For sprinkling on top of the casserole.
Instructions
STEP 1: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until "al dente". Drain and set aside.
STEP 2: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausages, onions, and garlic over medium-high heat until the onions are softened, 6-7 minutes.
STEP 3: Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
STEP 4: Combine the cheeses in a medium bowl.
STEP 5: To assemble the casserole, scatter half the butter on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
STEP 6: Spread half the spaghetti and half the meat sauce on top.
STEP 7: Add the cheese mixture on top.
STEP 8: Spread the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce
STEP 7: Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
STEP 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is slightly browned and the sides are bubbling up.
๐ Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ยผ cup butter (cubed)
- โ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, onions, and garlic. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- To assemble the casserole, scatter half the butter on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Spread half the spaghetti and half the meat sauce on top. Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top. Spread the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the parmesan on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is slightly browned and the sides are bubbling up.
June Gentile
Love it but we used ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese
Jane
Love this dish. Always make it for our dinner before our Thanksgiving day dinner. I also make some Gluten free! Always get praises!