Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite

Step 2 – Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors deepen.

Step 3 – Mix the Cheese Layer

1. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4 – Assemble the Layers

In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish:

1. First Layer: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly.
2. Second Layer: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
3. Third Layer: Spread the entire cheese mixture over the sauce.
4. Fourth Layer: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
5. Fifth Layer: Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly.

Step 5 – Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top to create that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6 – Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

Step 7 – Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s a family tradition waiting to happen. Its creamy layers, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese make it the ultimate comfort food. Best of all, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for company.

If you’d like, I can also create a beautiful printable recipe card for this so it looks like something out of a cookbook. That way it’s easy to share or keep in your kitchen binder. Would you like me to make that next?