Million Dollar Spaghetti

Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 24 oz marinara sauce (I use Rao's for a richer taste); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Classics

Middle of October, the leaves are changing, and I crave some hearty comfort food. That's when I remember this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe. It's a crowd-pleaser and always brings a smile around the table. Seriously, it's like a warm hug in a dish, with layers of gooey cheese and a rich sauce. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to put together even on busy weeknights.

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-06-07T22:57:19.249Z

When I first tried making Million Dollar Spaghetti, I was a bit skeptical about the name. But honestly, after the first bite, I understood why it's called that. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara is a classic that feels special with every layer. I could eat this every week and still look forward to it!

Every time I make it, I tweak the recipe just a bit, whether it’s adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick or throwing in whatever leftover veggies I have in the fridge. Do you know how satisfying it is to make something delicious and end up cleaning out your fridge at the same time? Win-win!

Why I Keep Making This

The ricotta keeps it creamy and rich
It's a great dish to prep in advance
There's always enough for leftovers
Everyone loves it, even picky eaters

The Secret to This Million Dollar Spaghetti

What I love about this Million Dollar Spaghetti is how the ricotta cheese adds a creaminess that contrasts so beautifully with the tangy marinara sauce. Honestly, it keeps things from feeling too heavy while still being hearty. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness, but the dish holds its own without them.

Prep is another win with this recipe. You can get everything ready in advance and just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat. If you're busy, I totally get it. Simply make the meat sauce and mix it with the spaghetti in a baking dish the night before. When you're ready to cook, cover it with foil and bake away.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
24 oz marinara sauce (I use Rao's for a richer taste)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions

Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives if you have them on hand

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, making sure not to overcook or it’ll get mushy.

Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as you go. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat, and stir in the marinara sauce along with some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Layer It Up

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Next, toss that spaghetti in the remaining sauce to coat. Spoon half of the spaghetti into the dish, add half of the ricotta, and sprinkle one cup of mozzarella over that. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, ricotta, and top with the last cup of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It's so cheesy and comforting, you'll want to dig right in. I usually serve it with a side salad and garlic bread if I’m feeling fancy.

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For extra flavor, sauté some garlic and onions with the beef.
I often make this ahead and pop it in the fridge, then just bake it when I'm ready.

How to Store Million Dollar Spaghetti

If you happen to have leftovers, or if you're making this for meal prep, let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll last about 3-4 days. I sometimes make a double batch just to have some on hand because it reheats surprisingly well in the microwave or the oven. Just be sure to cover it to keep everything nice and moist. If you want to freeze it, slice it into portions, wrap them in foil, and tuck them away for up to three months.

Ways to Switch It Up

Feeling a little creative? There are so many fun ways to change this recipe to suit your taste. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version. Add some sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, right into the sauce to boost the nutrition. I've even mixed in some spinach, and it turned out great.

If you're not a big fan of ricotta, a blend of cream cheese and sour cream can work, or if you want to keep things simple, stick with just the mozzarella. The layering part is where you can get extra creative too. Try different cheeses or mix in pesto for a twist. Have fun experimenting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely, but stick with shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or fusilli.

→ Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yeah, just substitute the beef with mushrooms or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Just cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.