Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy is the ultimate Filipino take on a global comfort classic. It’s creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying everything you want in a family-style baked pasta. Imagine the richness of the American million-dollar casserole meeting the sweet-savory balance that Filipino palates love. This version blends tender spaghetti noodles, a velvety cheese sauce, and a slow-simmered meat base that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
When I first tasted Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy, it instantly reminded me of potluck gatherings in my Texas ranch kitchen, where food was a bridge between cultures. The combination of creaminess, tomato sweetness, and melted cheese feels like a warm hug. Filipino cuisine has always had a way of adapting global dishes into something soulful and unique and this spaghetti proves it.
Inspired by the original Million Dollar Spaghetti that started this beloved comfort-food trend, this Panlasang Pinoy version captures the same creamy layers while adding a hint of sweetness and a deeper, home-cooked character. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, no matter where you’re from.
For me, Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy is comfort with character a dish that tells a story of tradition meeting creativity. Every spoonful celebrates the Filipino love for flavor, family, and togetherness, baked into one golden, bubbling casserole.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy: Filipino Comfort with a Luxurious Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy combines the creamy, cheesy richness of the American classic with Filipino flavors like banana ketchup and sweet-savory sauce. This baked pasta is pure comfort — golden, bubbly, and perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
16 ounces spaghetti noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork or sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup banana ketchup
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup all-purpose cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage or ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Boil spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and toss with butter. Set aside.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and banana ketchup. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and all-purpose cream until smooth.
5. Spread half the noodles in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the meat sauce, then half the cream mixture. Repeat layering.
6. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
To Make Ahead: Assemble completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Variations: Add bell peppers or mushrooms for texture, or substitute ground chicken for a lighter version.
Pair with Bread Bowl Pasta or Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup Ramen Spinach for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Pasta & Noodle One-Pot Meals
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Filipino-American
Crafting Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy
Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy is all about blending Filipino flavors with creamy, baked-pasta comfort. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare using simple ingredients found in any Filipino kitchen. What makes this dish so special is how it transforms pantry staples into a luxurious, family-style meal that feels both familiar and indulgent.
Ingredients
To make this Filipino-inspired comfort classic, you’ll need:
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork or sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup banana ketchup (for that signature Filipino sweetness)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup all-purpose cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage or ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
- Cook the Pasta: Boil spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in a bit of oil until fragrant. Add ground beef and pork; cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and banana ketchup for that signature Filipino sweetness. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the Cream Layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and all-purpose cream until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the noodles in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the meat sauce, then half the cheese mixture. Repeat until you’ve used everything. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
For a lighter twist that keeps all the same creamy magic, you’ll love the Chicken Million Dollar Spaghetti. It’s perfect when you want the same indulgent comfort with the tenderness of chicken instead of beef or pork.
This baked spaghetti is more than a meal it’s a celebration of Filipino warmth and creativity, wrapped in a creamy, cheesy embrace that turns any dinner into a special occasion.
Baking and Serving Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy
When your Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy goes into the oven, that’s when the magic begins. The sauce thickens, the cheese melts into golden perfection, and the familiar aroma of tomato, garlic, and cream fills the air. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone gather in the kitchen long before it’s served.
Baking Tips
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, until the top turns lightly golden and bubbly. If the cheese starts browning too fast, tent it with foil to keep the inside creamy. Once baked, let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting—it helps the layers set beautifully, giving you those perfect, Instagram-worthy slices.
The Filipino twist adds a sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tang of tomato and the creaminess of cheese. Every bite has that comforting balance rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly savory. The melted mozzarella on top forms a golden crust that’s irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides that bring freshness and texture. I love serving it with garlic bread or a simple green salad for contrast. For an extra layer of indulgence, try serving a small side of Boursin Baked Tomato Pasta alongside it’s another creamy baked pasta that melts in your mouth, rich with herbs and cheese.
And of course, no Filipino gathering is complete without something refreshing to drink. A cold glass of calamansi juice or iced tea perfectly balances the richness of this baked spaghetti.
At my ranch kitchen, serving this dish always turns into a shared moment of joy comfort food that feels both luxurious and homey, made to be savored slowly and with people you love.
Variations, Make-Ahead Tips & Delicious Twists
One of my favorite things about Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy is how adaptable it is. You can easily make it your own while keeping that creamy, crowd-pleasing flavor that makes this dish so special.
Easy Variations
Add a handful of diced bell peppers or mushrooms for texture, or swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Some cooks even layer sliced hard-boiled eggs for that classic Filipino spaghetti vibe. If you want extra creaminess, stir a bit more all-purpose cream into the sauce before baking.
For a fun, restaurant-style dinner idea, pair this casserole with my cozy Bread Bowl Pasta it’s a cheesy twist that makes every serving feel special. And for those who crave Asian comfort bowls, balance the richness of baked spaghetti with either the soothing Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup Ramen Spinach or the hearty Chinese Beef Noodle Soup Instant Pot.
Each pairing reminds me that comfort food knows no borders it’s simply about warmth, flavor, and care.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. It reheats beautifully and makes busy weeknights effortless. To freeze, assemble it fully, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight and bake until bubbly and golden.
This dish also makes amazing leftovers the flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Bringing It All Together
At its heart, Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy is more than a recipe it’s a fusion of comfort and culture. It combines the creaminess of the American classic with the sweetness and soul of Filipino cooking. It’s food that connects generations and reminds us that love can be served in a single, cheesy bite.
Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, a family celebration, or just a quiet dinner at home, this baked spaghetti brings smiles every single time. It’s proof that comfort food can travel the world, adapt beautifully, and still feel like home.
So bake it, share it, and savor it because Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy deserves a place in every cozy kitchen.
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FAQs about Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy
Why is it called Million Dollar Spaghetti Panlasang Pinoy?
Because it tastes indulgent creamy, cheesy, and rich enough to feel like a million bucks, while staying simple and affordable.
What makes this version Filipino?
The signature sweetness from banana ketchup and the balance of savory and creamy flavors give it that unmistakable Filipino touch.
Can I use chicken instead of beef ?
Yes! Shredded or ground chicken works beautifully and creates a lighter, equally comforting casserole.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly.