Save My sister called me in a panic one Sunday afternoon—she'd volunteered to bring dinner to her book club and suddenly realized she'd bitten off more than she could chew. I'd made this Million Dollar Spaghetti for a work potluck the week before, and she'd tasted it then. "Please," she begged, "make that casserole." What started as a favor turned into my most-requested dish, the one people now ask for by name. Turns out, there's something about those layers of creamy Alfredo, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese that makes everyone feel like you've spent all day in the kitchen.
I remember pulling this casserole out of the oven at my book club friend's house and watching her eyes light up when she saw the bubbling golden cheese on top. The whole room smelled incredible—that smell where garlic, meat, and toasted cheese blend together into something that makes everyone's stomach growl at once. One of her friends actually asked for the recipe before dessert was even served.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: One pound cooked until just al dente keeps the pasta from turning mushy under all those layers—undercooked it slightly since it'll soften more while baking.
- Ground beef and Italian sausage: The combination gives you depth that ground beef alone can't achieve; the sausage adds a subtle fennel note that makes people ask what your secret is.
- Yellow onion and garlic: These are your flavor foundation—don't skip the sautéing step, as it mellows the raw bite and builds sweetness.
- Marinara sauce: A good quality jar saves time without sacrificing taste; I've found brands with simple ingredient lists make the biggest difference.
- Ricotta, Alfredo sauce, and sour cream: This creamy layer is what makes the dish feel luxurious—the sour cream adds tang that balances the richness.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: The mozzarella melts and stretches, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty note that keeps it from tasting one-dimensional.
- Egg: This binds the creamy layer so it doesn't separate during baking and stays cohesive when you slice.
Instructions
- Prep and preheat:
- Get your oven to 350°F and grease that 9x13 baking dish—I use butter and make sure to coat the corners where cheese tends to stick. Have everything measured and prepped before you start cooking; this casserole comes together quickly once you begin.
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil the spaghetti until it's just barely tender, then drain it well so excess water doesn't make the casserole watery. Slightly undercook it if you can—it'll finish cooking in the oven.
- Brown the meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Once it's browned, drain the excess fat—this step makes a real difference in the final texture.
- Build the sauce:
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the meat and let them soften for a few minutes until fragrant. Stir in the marinara, herbs, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Make the creamy layer:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, and egg, stirring until smooth and lump-free. This mixture is what makes each forkful feel luxurious.
- Layer one:
- Spread half the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of your baking dish, then pour half the Alfredo mixture over it and spread gently. Top with half the meat sauce, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
- Layer two:
- Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, Alfredo mixture, meat sauce, and finish with all the remaining cheeses on top. The cheese layer will brown beautifully and create that irresistible crust.
- Bake and rest:
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes so the inside heats through without the top drying out, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving—I know it's hard to wait, but this helps it hold together when you slice.
Save There's a moment when you pull this out of the oven and the aroma hits you—that's when people suddenly appear in the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready. This dish has a way of turning a regular meal into an event, of making everyone at the table feel cared for.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this casserole is that it's forgiving enough to adapt to what you have on hand. I've made it with ground turkey for a lighter version, and it's just as delicious—the Alfredo layer is so rich that the swap barely registers. One winter I stirred in some sautéed spinach and mushrooms between layers, and it added an earthy depth without overwhelming the dish.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers actually improve after a day or two as the flavors settle into each other—I've found it tastes better on day two than day one. Covered tightly, it keeps for up to four days in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is plenty on its own, but I like pairing it with something bright and fresh to balance the richness. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and some warm garlic bread round out the meal perfectly, giving people options for how much richness they want on their plate.
- A simple arugula or mixed green salad cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Garlic bread is non-negotiable if you're feeding people who expect it at an Italian meal.
- A light dessert like lemon bars or berries with whipped cream feels right after all that richness.
Save This recipe has become my go-to when I want to feed people something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. It's the kind of dish that reminds everyone why comfort food exists.
Cooking Guide
- → How do I prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy?
Cook spaghetti until just al dente, slightly firm to the bite, before assembling. This helps it hold texture during baking.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef and sausage with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version without compromising flavor.
- → What type of cheese works best for topping?
Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan provide a melty, golden crust and enhance the dish's rich taste.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready for best texture.
- → What sides complement this baked spaghetti?
A crisp green salad and warm garlic bread balance the richness and add freshness to the meal.