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This viral Million Dollar Spaghetti, also known as “TikTok spaghetti,” is packed with rich, cheesy layers and comes together quickly with six simple, budget-friendly ingredients. It’s a quick, easy dinner the whole family will enjoy!
So, I am officially the girl who made Million Dollar Spaghetti go viral on TikTok… giving it the name “TikTok spaghetti.” That’s me! Even though I did not invent Million Dollar spaghetti (families have been making this for years), my Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is my claim to fame because it became an internet sensation. People call it “TikTok spaghetti.”
After my Million-Dollar Spaghetti video has gone viral for years, I can wholeheartedly tell you I totally get the hype. It’s rich and incredibly delicious, with its rich, cheesy layers of spaghetti, creamy ricotta, flavorful Italian sausage, and tangy marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection.
And after making million-dollar spaghetti countless times (seriously, I can’t even count at this point), I’m still obsessed! It tastes like it should cost a million bucks, but it’s made with everyday, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Since my first Million-Dollar Spaghetti recipe exploded online, I’ve had a blast playing around with the recipe to make it the BEST version ever! It’s one of the best dinner recipes I’ve ever made! Plus, it’s even in my new cookbook, Celebrating Every Day!
What Is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is basically Lasagna and Spaghetti’s long-lost cousin! Million dollar spaghetti casserole is a baked pasta dish that layers spaghetti, creamy ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella. It’s so hearty, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to make.
Why Is It Called Million Dollar Spaghetti?
It’s funny because this dish isn’t made with fancy ingredients… but it really does taste like a million bucks!
The name comes from the rich, creamy layers of cheesy, saucy spaghetti baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s indulgent, comforting, and totally dinner party-worthy without the hefty price tag. You feel like you hit the jackpot every time you take a bite! So… maybe we just need to change the name to “I hit the lotto spaghetti!”
Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Ingredients
You only need six simple ingredients to make million dollar baked spaghetti—it’s that easy! This is definitely a family dinner recipe keeper and is totally delicious. Honestly, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!
- Spaghetti – Classic and comforting! Spaghetti pasta is the heart of this dish and always a win!
- Italian sausage – Mild or spicy—your call! I usually go mild, but spicy adds a fun kick if you like a little heat.
Marinara sauce – Store-bought marinara sauce keeps things simple and quick. My favorite brand is Raos Marinara Sauce! - Ricotta cheese – it’s creamy and rich, giving you all those wonderful lasagna flavors!
- Mozzarella cheese – Melty cheese on top is non-negotiable for me! It pulls everything together, gives that bubbly, golden finish, and adds extra cheesy flavor!
- Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of parsley on top of spaghetti gives it a fresh, kind of grassy, and clean taste. It’s got this little peppery edge that just wakes things up and cuts through all the richness of the pasta and sauce. Basically, it adds a nice fresh green kick that will make your million-dollar spaghetti feel a bit lighter and livelier.
Pro tip: You can also substitute ground beef or turkey. I’ve made Million Dollar spaghetti both ways, and it’s delicious! I love how flexible this recipe is!
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This easy dinner comes together in just a few simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain the fat.
- Layer the casserole in a 9×13 baking dish:
- Spread one jar of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the spaghetti.
- Spread all of the ricotta cheese on top.
- Layer the rest of the spaghetti.
- Add the cooked sausage.
- Top with the second jar of marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
How to Make Million-Dollar Spaghetti Ahead
One of the reasons I love this million dollar spaghetti recipe is how easy it is to prep ahead of time. Whether you assemble the casserole in the morning (or even the night before), just cover it tightly with foil or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. If it’s coming straight from the fridge, add 5–10 minutes to the bake time!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are a few fun ways to mix things up:
- Add veggies like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Use cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. I’ve seen other million-dollar spaghetti recipes using this variation instead of Ricotta. I have not tried it this way.
- Make it spicy using hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes. SO good!
- Try a meatless version, just skip the sausage and load up on extra cheese or even veggies!
Can You Freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes! This is a great freezer meal. Just assemble the dish in a freezer-safe pan (foil pans work perfectly) or a baking dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. It’s the ultimate backup dinner for busy weeknights.
So there you have it – the “TikTok spaghetti” everyone raves about! Whether you’re looking for a guaranteed family pleaser, an easy make-ahead meal, or just a seriously delicious and comforting dinner, this Million Dollar Spaghetti is your answer. Try it and get ready to understand exactly why it’s become such a sensation – you might just find yourself making it repeatedly!
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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounce package spaghetti
- One pound loose Italian sausage
- Two 24-ounce jars marinara sauce
- One 32-ounce container ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Just think of the ocean-your water should be salty like the sea. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking up the sausage as you cook, until the meat is no longer pink and is golden brown, about 12 minutes. Drain off the excess fat and set aside.
- Pour a jar of the marinara sauce into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked spaghetti and all of the ricotta cheese.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti.
- Top with the cooked sausage.
- Top with the remaining jar of marinara sauce.
- Top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until mozzarella is melted and golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
