Million Dollar Spaghetti with Meatballs (Cheesy Baked Pasta)
This Million Dollar Spaghetti with Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food casserole—tender spaghetti tossed in rich marinara sauce with juicy meatballs, then baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty with every bite, making it a perfect family dinner or make-ahead meal that everyone will love.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Large skillet or saucepan (for heating marinara and meatballs)
- Mixing bowl or large spoon (for combining pasta and sauce)
- 9x13 inch baking dish / Pyrex casserole dish
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- oven
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp salt for boiling water
Meatball Marinara
- 18 - 24 meatballs Pork or beef cooked - store-bought or homemade
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp butter optional, for extra richness
Instructions
- Cook the spaghettiBoil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
- Warm meatballs & sauceIn a large skillet or pot, combine marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Add cooked meatballs and simmer until hot and well coated.
- Combine everythingIn a large bowl or directly in your baking dish, mix together: Cooked spaghetti and meatball marinara mixture.Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble in baking dishTransfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Add cheese toppingSprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add butter slices if using for extra richness.
- BakeBake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- ServeLet rest 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and better texture.
For the best flavor and texture in this Million Dollar Spaghetti with Meatballs, make sure to use al dente spaghetti and fully coat it in marinara sauce before baking—this helps the pasta absorb rich flavor while keeping the baked spaghetti casserole moist, cheesy, and perfectly structured.
Notes
- This Million Dollar Spaghetti with Meatballs recipe is a hearty baked pasta casserole that works best with fully cooked meatballs for even heating and rich, consistent flavor throughout.
- For the best texture, cook spaghetti just until al dente so it holds up during baking and absorbs the flavorful marinara sauce without becoming mushy.
- A combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates the perfect balance—mozzarella gives that classic gooey stretch while cheddar adds bold, savory depth.
- Make sure the spaghetti, meatballs, and marinara sauce are fully mixed so every bite of this baked spaghetti casserole is coated in rich, comforting flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to help it set, making it easier to slice and serve clean portions.
- This easy baked spaghetti with meatballs is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, potlucks, and freezer-friendly make-ahead meals.
- For extra richness, you can add a small amount of butter or extra marinara sauce before baking to keep the casserole extra moist and flavorful.
Nutrition
Serving: 1370 gramsCalories: 583kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 29gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 2118mgPotassium: 636mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1089IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 384mgIron: 3mg
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