This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole takes just 1 hour and delivers layers of creamy, cheesy, meaty goodness every single time. It’s my go-to casserole recipe for busy weeknights when I need something comforting that feeds a crowd—minimal prep, maximum payoff. Trust me, it’s called “million dollar” for a reason.

I discovered this shortcut recipe when I needed a kid-friendly dinner fast, but I didn’t want to spend forever layering lasagna or boiling sauces. With this casserole? You’ve got everything you love about baked spaghetti with cream cheese, gooey mozzarella, and rich marinara layered together, and the best part is you let the oven take care of the hard work.

Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Is a Game-Changer

Time-Saving Layers: Skip the tedious steps of traditional lasagna and layer everything in minutes.
Hands-Off Baking: Once it’s in the oven, you’ve got 30-40 minutes free for anything else on your to-do list.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves 15 people, making it perfect for parties or meal prep.
Customizable: From ground turkey to vegetarian swaps, it’s endlessly versatile for picky eaters or dietary needs.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

To make this casserole as seamless as possible, you’ll only need a few tools:

A large skillet: To cook the ground beef, sausage, and marinara sauce base.
9×13-inch baking dish: This ensures even layering and perfect bubbling cheese edges.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the cheesy mixture and another for tossing the spaghetti.
Aluminum foil: To tent the casserole if the cheese starts browning too quickly.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a 9×13 dish, two smaller baking dishes work just fine—and you can even freeze one for later!

Simple Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand! Here’s what makes this dish feel luxurious:

Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand for ease, or make homemade if you have extra time.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret to the creamy middle layer—it melds right into the tangy sour cream and adds unbeatable richness.
Ground Beef and Sausage: Combining lean meat with flavorful Italian sausage creates the perfect balance. Prefer plant-based? Use a vegetarian crumble instead.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: These cheeses ensure that signature golden-bubbly top that’s irresistible.

Shopping hack: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan to save time on prep!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Details

Servings: 15
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Complete Ingredients List

16 ounces spaghetti noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground Italian turkey sausage
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
3 tablespoons butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Preheat: Get your oven ready at 350°F.
Make the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet, season with salt and pepper, and drain most of the grease. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce, and set it aside.
Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss it with butter and the reserved 1/2 cup of marinara in a large mixing bowl.
Mix the cheese layer: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta) until smooth.
Assemble the layers: Spread half of the spaghetti into a 9×13-inch pan. Top with the cheese mixture, then add the remaining spaghetti. Pour the meat sauce evenly on top, and finish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake: Slide the pan into the oven for 30-40 minutes. Check at 20 minutes—if the top is browning fast, tent with foil.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Quick Assembly: Prep the sauce and cheese layers while the pasta cooks to save time.
No Sticky Noodles: Toss the cooked spaghetti with butter immediately to prevent clumps.
Cheesy Perfection: Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it freshly when needed!
Reheat Like a Pro: Warm leftovers in the oven with foil to maintain that creamy texture.

Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the meat or swap for crumbled tofu or plant-based sausage.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a crowd-pleasing gluten-free version.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to bring some heat.
Kitchen Clean-Out: Fold in sautéed spinach or leftover cooked veggies to bulk it up.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes to prevent drying out.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or even rotini would work just as well as spaghetti noodles.

What’s the secret behind the creamy middle layer?

The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage or ricotta cheese is what gives this dish its signature richness.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect solution when you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal effort. What’s your favorite casserole hack? Let me know in the comments below—and happy cooking!