Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of Italian sausage, rich marinara, and creamy cheese in a baked casserole that’s pure indulgence. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner, this dish brings together the best of pasta and lasagna in one irresistibly cheesy bake.
Its layered structure makes every bite unforgettable, with perfectly al dente spaghetti, a luscious cheese filling, and a golden, bubbly topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is your ticket to dinnertime success.
Key Ingredients That Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Shine
- Italian Sausage – Adds bold, savory flavor with just the right amount of spice. Opt for mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
- Uncooked Spaghetti – The backbone of the dish, it soaks up the flavorful sauce while maintaining its perfect texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese – A golden, gooey top layer that seals in all the flavors of the casserole.
- Onion & Garlic – Aromatic staples that infuse depth into the meat and sauce mixture.
- Marinara Sauce – The rich, tangy base of the dish. Choose a high-quality brand or make your own.
- Cheese Blend – Cream cheese, Parmesan, and ricotta form a luxurious layer of creamy goodness, seasoned with garlic powder and oregano.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Combine cream cheese, Parmesan, ricotta, garlic powder, and oregano until smooth. This layer adds the “million-dollar” creaminess to the dish.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the pasta slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Sauté the Sausage Mixture: Cook Italian sausage with onions and garlic until browned and fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, layer half the pasta with sauce, the creamy cheese mixture, and the remaining pasta.
- Top It Off: Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the final layer for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover and bake, then broil briefly for a bubbly, caramelized top.
Tips for Million-Dollar Success
For a richer flavor, let the marinara sauce simmer with the sausage for an extra 10 minutes before mixing with the pasta. If you’d like a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. For extra creaminess, double the cheese mixture—your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers
Million Dollar Spaghetti stores beautifully! Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. To freeze, wrap portions tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The layers stay moist and flavorful, making this dish just as delicious the next day!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage see note
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 24-ounce jars marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the cheese layer, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the Italian sausage and onion, breaking up the sausage as it cooks. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another minute. Remove any excess fat from the pan.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to the pot with the cooked spaghetti. Stir in the marinara sauce, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture in an even layer at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly layer the prepared cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
- Top the cheese layer with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, include the red pepper flakes in the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers are flavorful and reheatable; the extra sauce ensures the dish doesn’t dry out.