For generations, “Million Dollar Spaghetti” has been a potluck staple across the American South and Midwest: a hearty, no-frills casserole built on layers of spaghetti, simple meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. But what if that classic could be elevated—made richer, smoother, and even more indulgent?
The Evolution of a Classic
The traditional recipe often relies on ricotta or cottage cheese for its creamy layer. However, the latest iteration, developed in Southern Living ‘s Birmingham test kitchen, swaps this grainy texture for a luxurious béchamel sauce infused with mozzarella and Parmesan. This creates a velvety, pourable cheese layer that binds the spaghetti and meat sauce together in a way reminiscent of lasagna—but without the complicated stacking.
A Savory, Umami-Rich Foundation
The meat sauce itself is a deeply savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, simmered with onion and tomato paste. A subtle addition of fish sauce adds a layer of umami depth that you won’t immediately detect but will certainly notice; it elevates the overall flavor without overpowering it. The result is a casserole that combines the best aspects of lasagna, baked ziti, and mac and cheese.
Effortless Preparation and Versatility
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for convenience. Both the meat sauce and béchamel can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining. The casserole can even be fully assembled up to three days ahead of time, stored tightly in the refrigerator, and baked later (add 5–10 minutes to ensure thorough heating).
Freezing is also surprisingly effective: the assembled casserole holds up well, though baking from frozen will require a longer cook time and may yield a slightly softer texture.
“This casserole delivers every bit of its million-dollar swagger.”
Ultimately, Million Dollar Spaghetti is about leaning into pure comfort food maximalism. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer, this recipe transforms a simple potluck dish into something truly special.
