Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti.

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti! Spaghetti tossed with butter, then layered with a creamy ricotta sauce and a simple slow-simmered tomato sauce made with spicy Italian sausage and ground beef. It’s comforting and delicious, and it looks so pretty coming out of the oven. You can even assemble it ahead of time. This is the perfect bake for holiday dinners or any cold winter night when you want something everyone at the table will love. Just add a big, beautiful salad and you’re set.

Yesterday we shared a big list of our favorite holiday dinners. This time of year, I’m constantly entertaining and cooking big meals for family most nights throughout December.

And during these last couple of weeks—when everyone slowly starts arriving for Christmas break—I’m usually cooking for anywhere from eight to twenty people! That means keeping dinners simple, cozy, and always delicious.

This time of year is just busy. So “easy, quick, and yummy” is always the goal.

Most years I make a version of my mom’s spaghetti pie—sometimes we call it million-dollar pasta. It’s a baked pasta layered with a very creamy white sauce and a slow-simmered meat sauce. My mom used to make it all the time!

Her recipe called for lots of eggs, but I make a simpler variation now that’s honestly even yummier (my brothers have confirmed it). We LOVE this baked pasta. It’s perfect because I can assemble everything ahead of time, then bake it right before dinner. Super easy and very hands-off.

I usually serve this the week leading up to Christmas with my Christmas salad. And my new garlic bread is coming soon—but I LOVE the garlic bread wreath with this bake.

These are the details

Ingredients

• dry pasta
• spicy Italian sausage
• ground beef
• onions
• bell peppers
• Italian seasoning
• canned tomatoes
• sun-dried tomatoes
• whole milk ricotta cheese
• cream cheese
• fresh parmesan
• mozzarella cheese
• provolone cheese
• pepperoni
• fresh basil or parsley

Special Tools

For this recipe, you’ll need a Dutch oven or other large skillet. Plus, a mixing bowl, wooden spoon, and cutting board.

The Steps

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain, then toss the hot pasta with softened butter. This keeps the noodles from sticking and adds the most delicious buttery flavor.

Step 2: Make the Red Sauce

Brown the spicy Italian sausage and ground beef with the onions, bell peppers, and Italian seasoning.

Nothing fancy—just a classic, cozy meat sauce my family loves!
Stir in the canned tomatoes or a large jar of marinara, plus a splash of water. Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes rich. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of fresh basil.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Sauce

Use a food processor or simply a big bowl—both work great.
Combine the whole milk ricotta with cream cheese, and Parmesan until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Layer Everything Together

In a large casserole dish, layer the red sauce, spaghetti, and the creamy white ricotta sauce. Finish with the remaining red sauce on top.
Add shredded mozzarella and provolone, then scatter slices of pepperoni over everything.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish and bake until the cheese is bubbling, melted, and beautifully browned on top.

Serving

Let the baked spaghetti rest for a few minutes so it can set up nicely before serving. Then top with fresh basil.

I love serving this with a big Christmas salad, garlic bread, and a bottle of wine for the family. The Tuscan red from our Seasonal Selection of Reds is my go-to.

Looking for more easy holiday dinners? Here are a few more to try!

Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie

Dutch Oven Lasagna

Cranberry Beef Bourguignon

Smothered Chicken in Mushroom Wine Pan Sauce

Crockpot Thai Short Ribs with Coconut Rice

Crockpot Short Rib Bourguignon

Lastly, if you make this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti, be sure to leave a comment and/or rate this recipe! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!