Million Dollar Spaghetti

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is an indulgent twist on a classic dish that will impress your family and friends. Loaded with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese filling, this baked spaghetti is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy family meals. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience that everyone will love. Plus, it stores well for leftovers, making it a practical choice for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The cheesy goodness appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or substitute proteins to suit your taste.
• Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of meats and cheeses creates a uniquely delicious flavor profile that shines.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or large spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling spaghetti evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing vegetables quickly.
• 9×13 baking dish: Provides ample space for layering pasta and cheese without spilling over.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the cheese filling smoothly.

Ingredients

This million dollar spaghetti recipe has tons of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and an irresistible cheese filling. It’s then topped with even more cheese and baked to golden perfection!

For the Pasta

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce

For the Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block Philly) (softened)
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, add the cheese layer ingredients:
1. Cream cheese
2. Ricotta cheese
3. Parmesan cheese
4. Garlic powder
5. Dried oregano

Stir them together until you’ve got a nice, smooth mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta:
1. Cook it 2 minutes less than package directions suggest.
2. Once done, drain it and add it back to the same pot it was cooked in.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage Mixture

Meanwhile:
1. Add Italian sausage meat to a skillet along with chopped onion.
2. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for about another minute.
4. Spoon out excess fat from the pan.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the skillet mixture to the pot containing pasta:
1. Pour in marinara sauce.
2. Toss until everything is coated using tongs or two large spoons.

Step 6: Layer in Baking Dish

Add half of the pasta/sauce mixture to a 9×13 baking dish:
1. Spread it in an even layer.
2. Spread the cheese layer evenly over this pasta/sauce layer.

Step 7: Finish Layering

Add remaining pasta/sauce mixture on top:
1. Spread it out evenly.
2. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with foil:
1. Bake for 30 minutes at 375F.
2. Remove foil and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and browned (watch carefully).

Step 9: Serve

Let sit for 5-10 minutes:
1. Use a spatula to cut into individual portions.
2. Season with salt & pepper if needed.

Enjoy your homemade Million Dollar Spaghetti!

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser that can be served in various ways to enhance its deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Pairing with Garlic Bread

• Toasted garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and complements the rich flavors of the spaghetti.

Serving with Salad

• A fresh garden salad brings a refreshing contrast to the creamy and cheesy spaghetti, balancing the meal perfectly.

Adding Extra Cheese

• Offering additional grated Parmesan or mozzarella on the side allows guests to customize their plates for an extra cheesy experience.

Topping with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds freshness and enhances the dish’s aroma.

Enjoying with Wine

• A glass of red wine pairs wonderfully with this dish, enhancing its savory flavors and making for a perfect dining experience.

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How to Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti

To make your Million Dollar Spaghetti truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh Italian sausage and good-quality cheese for better flavor.
• Cook pasta al dente: Ensure you don’t overcook the spaghetti; it should have a slight bite for the best texture.
• Let it rest: Allow your casserole to sit after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust red pepper flakes or add Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Layer evenly: For a balanced flavor in each bite, ensure even layers of sauce and cheese throughout the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Spaghetti

When serving Million Dollar Spaghetti, consider adding these delightful side dishes to round out your meal.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery knots brushed with garlic, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and refreshing option.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese complements the richness of the spaghetti.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cream cheese and herbs make an excellent finger food choice.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates a flavorful appetizer before the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Million Dollar Spaghetti can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Cheese Layer Preparation: Neglecting to mix the cream cheese and ricotta properly can lead to a lumpy filling. Make sure to blend these ingredients until smooth for a creamy texture.
• Overcooking the Spaghetti: Cooking the spaghetti for too long can make it mushy in the final bake. Remember to cook it two minutes less than package instructions for the best results.
• Not Draining Excess Fat: Failing to drain the excess fat from the sausage can make your dish greasy. Always spoon out any extra fat before mixing with the pasta.
• Using Low-Quality Marinara Sauce: The sauce plays a huge role in flavor. Opt for a good quality marinara sauce to enhance the taste of your Million Dollar Spaghetti.
• Skipping Foil During Baking: Not covering your casserole with foil initially can result in over-browning. Cover it for the first 30 minutes, then uncover for the last few minutes to get that bubbly top.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Million Dollar Spaghetti that might help you while preparing this delicious dish.

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked spaghetti casserole featuring layers of spaghetti, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese filling that’s baked until bubbly and golden.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.

How do I customize Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the sausage mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just increase baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe offers comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Its delightful layers of flavors make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try this recipe today and enjoy its warmth and richness!