Million Dollar Spaghetti
This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a showstopper that combines hearty Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese filling. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish is both comforting and delicious. Its standout feature is the cheesy goodness topped with melted mozzarella, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory sausage and creamy cheeses creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this delightful dish.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Serving up to eight portions, it’s ideal for parties or family meals.
- Versatile Ingredients: Substitute ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smoother cooking process and better results.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Tongs or large spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta evenly and accommodating large quantities of water.
- Skillet: Essential for browning the sausage and onions while developing rich flavors.
- Mixing bowl: Great for combining cheese ingredients smoothly without spills.
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and easy serving of your Million Dollar Spaghetti.
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
- 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce
- 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
For the Cheese Layer
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 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
Seasoning
- 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 cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir them together until you’ve got a nice, smooth mixture. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water for the spaghetti. Cook it two minutes less than package directions suggest. Once it’s done, drain it and return it to the same pot.
Step 4: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage meat along with chopped onion. Cook for about 10 minutes or until browned. Break up the meat as you go along.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Cook for about one minute before spooning out any excess fat from the pan.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Transfer the sausage mixture into the pot with pasta. Add in both jars of marinara sauce. Toss everything together until well coated—use tongs or two large spoons for ease.
Step 7: Layer in Baking Dish
Add half of your pasta/sauce mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 8: Add Cheese Layer
Spread your prepared cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of pasta/sauce. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just get it on there!
Step 9: Final Layer
Top with the remaining pasta/sauce mixture and spread it out evenly. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 10: Bake
Cover your baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 375F. Remove foil and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden brown—watch closely!
Step 11: Serve
Let your casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes before cutting it into portions using a spatula. Season with salt & pepper if needed.
Enjoy this delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti that is sure to impress your guests!
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti
Serving Million Dollar Spaghetti is an art that enhances its delicious flavors. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this cheesy, hearty meal.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan for a classic pairing.
- Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing side.
Add Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread: Toast slices of baguette or Italian bread slathered in garlic butter for a crunchy companion.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Twist dough into knots, bake them with garlic butter, and sprinkle with cheese for a tasty treat.
Complement with Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli: Drizzle broccoli florets with olive oil, season, and roast until tender for a nutritious addition.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sauté spinach in olive oil and garlic for a vibrant side that complements the richness of the spaghetti.
Serve with Wine
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the dish.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with lemon slices to cleanse the palate.
How to Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti
To achieve the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti every time, follow these simple tips. They will enhance your cooking process and ensure your dish is nothing short of spectacular.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses to elevate the overall flavor of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti al dente so it holds its shape better when mixed with sauce and cheese.
- Mix Sauces Well: Ensure even distribution by thoroughly mixing pasta and marinara sauce before layering.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit after baking helps it set, making it easier to cut into neat portions.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try adding different cheeses like gouda or fontina for unique flavor profiles in your filling.
- Season Generously: Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout each layer for maximum flavor impact.
Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Spaghetti
To round out your meal featuring Million Dollar Spaghetti, consider these delightful side dishes. They complement the rich flavors of the main course beautifully.
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes with garlic and rosemary before roasting them until crispy.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: Include olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables for an appetizer that excites the palate.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steam asparagus spears and drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh side that balances richness.
- Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a zesty starter.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that contrasts nicely against the cheesy spaghetti.
- Corn on the Cob: Grill or boil corn on the cob; add butter and herbs for a sweet complement to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Million Dollar Spaghetti, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the cheese layer: The cheese filling adds richness and creaminess. Don’t skip it; instead, ensure it’s evenly spread for a creamy texture.
- Overcooking the spaghetti: Cooking the pasta too long can lead to mushy spaghetti. Follow the package instructions but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes for perfect al dente.
- Not draining excess fat: Leaving too much fat from the sausage can make your dish greasy. Always spoon out the excess fat after cooking.
- Using low-quality marinara sauce: The sauce greatly influences flavor. Choose a good quality marinara for a delicious outcome.
- Forgetting to let it rest: Cutting into the casserole right away can cause it to fall apart. Allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes helps set everything together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake until heated through (about 25-30 minutes).
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Million Dollar Spaghetti that you might find helpful.
What makes Million Dollar Spaghetti so special?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is unique because of its rich cheese filling and hearty meat sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Can I customize Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey according to your preference.
How do I store leftovers of Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions.
What sides go well with Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. These sides complement its flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and joy. With its cheesy goodness and savory flavors, this dish is versatile enough to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy every bite!
Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting baked casserole that combines savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese filling. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Its delicious layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese create a mouthwatering experience that will please even the pickiest eaters. With easy preparation steps and the ability to make it ahead of time, Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s a satisfying culinary adventure that brings everyone together at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the cheese layer by mixing cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until two minutes undercooked; drain and return to pot.
- In a skillet, brown sausage with chopped onion for about 10 minutes; add garlic and red pepper flakes for an additional minute.
- Mix the sausage mixture with marinara sauce and combine it with the spaghetti.
- Layer half of the pasta/sauce in a baking dish, spread cheese mixture on top, then finish with remaining pasta/sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and broil until bubbly.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
