Million Dollar Spaghetti

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines layers of hearty flavors with gooey cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With its rich marinara sauce and a creamy cheese filling, this dish offers comfort food at its finest. It’s sure to impress guests and satisfy hungry appetites on any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep.
• Versatile Dish: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting proteins.
• Feed a Crowd: Serving eight generous portions makes it ideal for gatherings and family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish (9×13)
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or large spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling spaghetti while allowing ample space for stirring without spills.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables evenly.
• Baking dish (9×13): Provides enough space to layer all ingredients and bake them to perfection.

Ingredients

For this Million Dollar Spaghetti, gather the following ingredients:

Pasta Base

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti

Meat Mixture

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

Sauces and Cheeses

• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until you achieve a nice smooth mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add spaghetti and cook it for about 2 minutes less than package directions. Once cooked, drain it and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add Italian sausage and onion. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned—about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes

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 & Sauce

Add the meat mixture into the pot with pasta. Then pour in marinara sauce and toss everything together until well-coated using tongs or large spoons.

Step 7: Layer in Baking Dish

Spread half of the pasta/sauce mixture into a 9×13 baking dish evenly.

Step 8: Add Cheese Layer

Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture over the pasta layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just aim for an even distribution.

Step 9: Finish Layering

Add remaining pasta/sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer. Spread it out evenly before topping with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 10: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove foil and broil on high for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown—watch closely!

Step 11: Cool & Serve

Allow casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into portions using a spatula. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

This delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti is sure to become a staple in your household! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Classic Presentation

• Serve hot from the oven in generous portions.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.

With Garlic Bread

• Pair with warm garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
• Toasted baguette slices spread with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into the sauce.

Side Salad

• Offer a light side salad to balance the richness of the spaghetti.
• A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the dish beautifully.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Add an extra layer of mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy finish.
• Broil briefly for that bubbly, golden crust everyone loves.

Leftover Lunches

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven for quick meals throughout the week.

How to Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti

Achieving the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out fantastic every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese enhance flavor significantly.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it slightly under ensures it holds up well in the baking process.
• Layer wisely: Spread layers evenly to create a harmonious blend of flavors in each bite.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit after baking helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Spaghetti

To complement your Million Dollar Spaghetti, consider serving it alongside these delightful side dishes. Each adds its own unique touch to your meal.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan add freshness and crunch.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings color and health benefits.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to the rich spaghetti.
4. Garlic Knots: Soft knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for sopping up sauce.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing taste.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats (like turkey) creates a savory starter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Million Dollar Spaghetti can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish.

• Boldly Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the spaghetti too long can lead to mushy noodles. Aim to cook it just a couple of minutes less than the package directions for perfect texture.

• Boldly Skipping the Cheese Layer: The cheese filling is essential for the creamy texture and rich flavor. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the entire dish.

• Boldly Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning your dish can make it bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during preparation for a flavorful outcome.

• Boldly Not Letting It Rest: Cutting into the casserole too soon can result in messy servings. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set up properly.

• Boldly Using Cold Ingredients: Cold cream cheese or ricotta can lead to lumps in your cheese mixture. Make sure they are softened at room temperature for a smooth blend.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy reheating later.

Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Million Dollar Spaghetti that might help you out.

Can I substitute different types of meat in Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Yes! You can use chicken, beef, or turkey instead of Italian sausage for different flavors or dietary preferences.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or a non-dairy alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or prefer plant-based ingredients.

How do I make Million Dollar Spaghetti gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What is the best way to customize Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor!

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Spaghetti is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It serves as a comforting main course that’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the cheese blend. Enjoy this hearty dish that everyone will love!