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This baked spaghetti is rich, cheesy, saucy, and SO comforting! My million dollar spaghetti recipe is made with simple ingredients and has become one of my most-loved recipes after going viral on TikTok.

A close-up of cheesy baked spaghetti with melted cheese, tomato sauce, ground meat, and chopped herbs on a white plate.

Why Everyone Loves This Million Dollar Spaghetti!

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair and a bright smile stands in a kitchen. She is wearing a yellow floral dress with puffed sleeves and white buttons. The background shows white subway tiles and cabinets.

Okay, so I am officially the girl who made Million Dollar Spaghetti go viral on TikTok! That’s me! 😂 People started calling it “TikTok spaghetti,” and even though I didn’t invent million dollar spaghetti, I love that my version became such a sensation.

And after making this recipe countless times, I totally get the hype. The creamy ricotta, Italian sausage, tangy marinara, and bubbly mozzarella with all that spaghetti is just SO good. It’s rich, cheesy, and seriously comforting. 🧀

My favorite part? It tastes like it should cost a million bucks, but you’re really using simple, everyday ingredients. Nothing fancy! Just good, cozy food that makes you want to go back for another bite. ❤️

I’ve also had so much fun playing around with this recipe over the years to make it the best version I can. It’s still one of my favorite dinner recipes, and it’s even included in my cookbook, Celebrating Every Day!

I really think you’ll understand the hype once you try it. And if you’re in the mood for another cozy casserole, my Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is one to save, too!

How to Make This Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

3.49 from 35 votes

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

By Melissa Johnson
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
A serving of baked spaghetti covered in melted cheese and meat sauce is being lifted from a dish. The dish is garnished with chopped parsley, and the spaghetti is topped with browned cheese and bits of meat.
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This million dollar spaghetti recipe layers tender spaghetti with creamy ricotta, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella for a rich, cheesy casserole. It’s an easy baked spaghetti recipe made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
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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.
    marinara sauce in a baking dish for million dollar spaghetti.
  • Add half of the cooked spaghetti and all of the ricotta cheese.
    A casserole dish with spaghetti, red sauce, and spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top, placed on a wooden cutting board for million dollar spaghetti.
  • Top with the remaining spaghetti.
    A white baking dish filled with cooked pasta for million dollar spaghetti, placed on a wooden board.
  • Top with the cooked sausage.
    A white baking dish with cooked ground meat layered over spaghetti for million dollar spaghetti, on a wooden cutting board.
  • Top with the remaining jar of marinara sauce.
    A white baking dish of million dollar spaghetti topped with ground beef and rich tomato sauce on a wooden cutting board.
  • Top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
    A white baking dish of million dollar spaghetti topped with shredded cheese on a wooden cutting board.
  • Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until mozzarella is melted and golden brown.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
    A baking dish of million dollar spaghetti topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley on a wooden board.

Video

Notes

  • Cook the spaghetti just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it before assembling the casserole.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving. A short rest helps the layers settle, making it easier to scoop and serve.
  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
  • For freezing, cool the assembled casserole completely before wrapping and freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella if possible. It melts smoothly and gives the top that gooey, cheesy finish.

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More Cozy Casseroles to Try

About Melissa Johnson

My bakery experience taught me the secrets to simple baking. Now, I share easy-to-follow recipes and party ideas through Best Friends For Frosting® and my cookbook, Celebrating Everyday, simplifying everyday cooking and holiday celebrations.

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Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. Sue M says:

    5 stars
    My family loved this recipe. It was so easy to make!

    Reply
    1. Melissa Johnson says:

      Hi Sue! Thank you so much for sharing and the 5-star review! I am happy to hear it was a success.

      Reply