Name: Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 2 tablespoons butter (for tossing cooked pasta); 1 pound ground beef; ½ pound Italian sausage (optional, or use all ground beef); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper (to taste); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese); 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

If you’re a fan of all things creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, then stick around because I’m about to share a real winner with you — the Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe. This dish is like a big, cozy hug on a plate: loaded with cheesy goodness, rich meat sauce, and tender spaghetti baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of those go-to family favorites you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: It combines all your favorite flavors in one easy, hearty bake — think of it as lasagna’s easier, cheesier cousin.
Family Friendly: The kids and adults alike go crazy for this — it’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and meaty that satisfies everyone.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep it ahead and freeze it, which makes weeknight dinners or last-minute guests a total breeze.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and common cheeses you probably already have, making it super accessible to whip up.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked lasagna. The top layer is covered in melted cheese that is golden brown and slightly crispy in some spots. Underneath the cheese, a rich tomato meat sauce is visible around the edges where the cheese has bubbled and spread. The lasagna is thick with several layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese stacked closely together. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti, cheesy baked spaghetti, easy casserole recipes, hearty comfort food dinner, family-friendly spaghetti bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe plays a key role — from the tender spaghetti strands coated in butter, to the rich blend of meats, and the combination of smooth cheeses that make every bite so luscious.

Flat lay of a bundle of uncooked spaghetti, a small pat of yellow butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a mound of fresh ground beef, a small pile of raw Italian sausage links, one whole small yellow onion, three whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing mixed Italian seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, and another small white ceramic bowl with black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti, cheesy baked spaghetti, easy casserole recipes, hearty comfort food dinner, family-friendly spaghetti bake

Spaghetti: Classic pasta choice — cook until al dente for the best texture that won’t turn mushy when baked.
Butter: Tossing the spaghetti with butter adds a wonderful silky layer and prevents sticking.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein; opt for lean to keep it from being greasy.
Italian Sausage: Optional, but I love how it adds extra spice and depth; if you skip, just up the beef amount.
Onion: Finely chopped so it blends into the sauce beautifully without overpowering.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that essential aromatic punch.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred version or homemade; the sauce brings it all together.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that elevate the sauce, bringing those classic Italian vibes.
Salt & Pepper: To taste — seasoning is key to brighten up flavors.
Cream Cheese: Softened and smooth, it’s the secret behind the creamy texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, balances the tang of sour cream perfectly (cottage cheese works in a pinch).
Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness, making the cheese layer extra luscious.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated for a nutty, salty kick in the cheese mixture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and melted on top for that irresistible bubbly golden crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe is so versatile. You can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences — the base is forgiving and opens the door for tasty tweaks.

Meat-Free Version: Swap out the beef and sausage for sautéed mushrooms and spinach — I’ve done this and even meat-eaters loved it.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.
Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier flavor, or add a handful of shredded cheddar to the mozzarella on top.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check marinara labels — still just as creamy and satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pasta Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—that way everything will cook evenly and slide out easily when it’s done. Meanwhile, boil your spaghetti in salted water according to the package directions, but aim to stop right at al dente because it’ll continue cooking in the oven. When drained, toss the pasta with butter to keep those strands flavorful and less sticky. Set it aside for layering later.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Build that Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef and Italian sausage together until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat so your casserole won’t be greasy. Then add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened, followed by the minced garlic for just another 1 minute—be careful not to burn it! Stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and season well with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. I like to mix this until it’s super smooth — the texture is everything here because this cheese layer makes the whole bake gloriously creamy. You’ll notice how these cheeses balance each other out: the cream cheese gives richness, ricotta brings mildness, sour cream adds tang, and Parmesan packs in that signature savory punch.

Step 4: Put It All Together

Reserve about a cup of your meat sauce and stir it into the cooked spaghetti — this step infuses the pasta with flavor and keeps it moist while baking. Next, spread half the spaghetti evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Dollop and smooth out the cheese mixture on top of that, then layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese. Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the spaghetti evenly, then sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella generously across the top.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover your dish with foil to keep all the moisture locked in, then bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the cheese topping is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbling. Once it’s out of the oven, give it a good 10 minutes to rest before you dig in—that helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: I learned the hard way that overdone spaghetti results in a mushy bake, so stick to al dente and toss with butter immediately.
Softened Cream Cheese is Key: To avoid lumps in your cheese layer, make sure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
Simmer the Sauce Well: Letting the sauce simmer for at least 5 minutes brings out deeper flavors — don’t rush this part!
Rest Before Serving: Waiting 10 minutes after baking lets the dish set so you get neat slices, not a messy splat.

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe

A white bowl filled with two main layers, the bottom layer is a serving of thick spaghetti noodles in a light orange sauce mixed with crumbled brown meat scattered throughout. The top layer is a rectangular piece of chicken covered with bubbly, browned melted cheese and sauce dripping over the edges. The dish is sprinkled thinly with chopped green herbs for color. A gold fork with a dark handle rests on the bottom left edge of the bowl with a woman's hand holding it. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, and the background is a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti, cheesy baked spaghetti, easy casserole recipes, hearty comfort food dinner, family-friendly spaghetti bake

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving — it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan at the table is always a nice touch, too.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance the creamy richness. And honestly, garlic bread is a must — nothing beats soaking up that delicious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets — it makes each serving feel like a cozy personal casserole. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs on top for an extra crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always cool it completely before refrigerating it to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake both before and after baking — just be sure to cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until bubbly to refresh the flavors.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven comfort, even days later.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and Italian sausage and substitute with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also add lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for extra protein. The creamy, cheesy layers keep the dish rich and satisfying even without meat.
What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from being watery?

Drain your cooked spaghetti well and toss it with butter to reduce stickiness and moisture. Also, make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked meats. Using well-drained cheeses and not adding extra sauce beyond the recipe helps keep the dish creamy but not watery.
Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional for this recipe, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to al dente and stir the pasta thoroughly with the sauce to keep that comforting creamy texture.
How long can I freeze leftovers safely?

You can freeze this spaghetti bake for up to 3 months. Just package well in a freezer-safe container or wrap the baking dish tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe has quickly become one of those special dishes that brings everyone around the table with happy smiles — it’s comfort food at its finest. I love how it blends simple ingredients into something richer and more indulgent than your typical spaghetti night, but without the fuss of lasagna. I really hope you give it a try soon and come back to tell me how much your family loved it because, honestly, once you make this, you’ll be wondering why it’s not on your regular dinner rotation already!