Description: This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleasing casserole featuring layers of flavorful meat sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture, and a bubbly mozzarella topping. It’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where you need a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot, depending on preference)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block Philadelphia brand), softened
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and move the rack to the top third of the oven. This ensures the top gets nicely browned while the inside cooks through.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano for the cheese layer. Stir the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. Set this bowl aside.
Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. This slightly undercooks the pasta, preventing it from becoming mushy when baked. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the same pot.
Step 4: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the meat sauce. Add the Italian sausage to a large skillet along with the chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Spoon out any excess fat from the pan; this will prevent the casserole from being greasy.
Step 6: Add the skillet mixture of sausage, onion, and garlic to the pot containing the cooked spaghetti. Pour in both jars of marinara sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Use tongs or two large spoons for the best results.
Step 7: Spread half of the pasta/sauce mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom.
Step 8: Spread the cheese layer evenly over the pasta/sauce layer. This step can be a little messy, as the cheese is thick and creamy. Do your best to create an even distribution. It does not need to be perfect, and a little mixing will add to the unique flavour of this spaghetti!
Step 9: Add the remaining pasta/sauce mixture to the baking dish, spreading it out evenly over the cheese layer. Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 10: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through without the cheese browning too quickly.
Step 11: Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and nicely browned. The broiling process is quick, so stay vigilant.
Step 12: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. Use a spatula to cut the Million Dollar Spaghetti into individual portions. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful and comforting. The combination of savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese layers, and bubbly mozzarella topping creates a symphony of tastes that will leave everyone wanting more. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make, especially considering how impressive the final result is. The steps are straightforward, and most of the ingredients are pantry staples. Third, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike will devour this dish, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering. It can easily be customized to your families needs! If you would like less cheese you can adjust to a lighter portion.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium – While it has several steps, none are particularly difficult, making it suitable for most home cooks.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping into the sauce.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, add a healthy component to the meal.
- For dessert, consider a simple fruit salad or a light Italian dessert like tiramisu.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti. Slightly undercooking it ensures it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to cut and prevent the cheese from running everywhere.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch more red pepper flakes.
- If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese or even more cream cheese.
- To avoid cheese stick, use a non-stick baking dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 35-45 grams
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg
Conclusion:
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a classic casserole recipe that’s loved for its rich flavors, creamy texture, and comforting qualities. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, a satisfying family dinner, or a make-ahead meal for a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to deliver. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can create this culinary masterpiece in their own kitchen.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions. You might need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be different. Italian sausage adds a unique richness and seasoning. If using ground beef, consider adding some Italian seasoning and a pinch of fennel seeds to mimic the sausage flavor.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use two smaller dishes of similar size. Just divide the ingredients evenly between the two dishes and follow the baking instructions.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole. Some good options include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onion and sausage before adding the marinara sauce.
