Million Dollar Spaghetti

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines the rich flavors of marinara sauce, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese filling. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, it brings comfort food to a whole new level. With layers of deliciousness topped with gooey cheese, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor Explosion – The combination of cheeses and marinara sauce creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
• Great for Leftovers – The flavors deepen when reheated, making it a delicious option for meal prep.
• Versatile Dish – Customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and hearty pasta.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, you’ll need a few essential tools to make your Million Dollar Spaghetti come together seamlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling spaghetti; ensures even cooking without overcrowding.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the cheese mixture smoothly.
• 9×13 baking dish: Provides ample space to layer all ingredients evenly for proper baking.

Ingredients

For this delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole, gather the following ingredients:

Pasta & Sauce

• 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)
• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce

Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 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

Seasoning

• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and adjust the rack to the top third position. This ensures even baking of your casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir until you achieve a smooth mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 4: Brown the Sausage

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Break up the meat as it cooks for about 10 minutes until browned.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet mixture. Cook for another minute before removing excess fat from the pan.

Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce Mixture

Add the sausage mixture into the pot with spaghetti. Pour in both jars of marinara sauce and toss until well combined using tongs or large spoons.

Step 7: Layer in Baking Dish

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

Step 8: Add Cheese Layer

Spoon the prepared cheese mixture over the first pasta layer. It doesn’t need to be perfect; just spread it out as best as you can.

Step 9: Finish Layering

Top with the remaining pasta/sauce mixture, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove foil and broil on high for several minutes until bubbly and golden brown—watch closely!

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy

Allow resting for about 5–10 minutes before cutting into portions. Season each serving with salt & pepper if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti!

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Serving Million Dollar Spaghetti can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Here are some delightful ways to serve this cheesy, hearty dish.

Pair with a Simple Salad

• A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the spaghetti perfectly.

Add Garlic Bread

• Crisp, buttery garlic bread is an excellent side that adds flavor and texture, making every bite more enjoyable.

Serve with a Side of Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables bring color and health benefits to your meal while enhancing the overall flavors.

Top with Fresh Basil

• Adding fresh basil leaves on top before serving brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness that balances the cheese.

Offer Grated Parmesan

• Providing grated Parmesan at the table lets everyone customize their servings with a little extra cheesy goodness.

How to Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti

To ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips for a delicious result.

• Use Al Dente Pasta: Cook the spaghetti just until it’s al dente. This helps prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
• Mix Sauces Well: Make sure to thoroughly mix the marinara sauce with the pasta and sausage for even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Allow It to Rest: Letting the baked spaghetti sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps it set and makes portioning easier.
• Customize Cheese Combos: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types, such as provolone or gouda, for unique flavor variations.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Complement your Million Dollar Spaghetti with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal’s flavors and textures.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provides a crunchy contrast.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and essential vitamins while balancing out rich flavors.
3. Caprese Skewers: Skewers of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer freshness in every bite.
4. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles add a low-carb option that pairs well with the hearty spaghetti.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and veggies make for colorful and flavorful additions to your meal.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a refreshing appetizer before diving into the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Million Dollar Spaghetti, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Cheese Layer: Not including the cheese layer can make your dish less creamy and flavorful. Always mix cream cheese and ricotta for that rich filling.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushy spaghetti. Remember to cook it 2 minutes less than package instructions indicate for the perfect texture.
• Not Draining Excess Fat: Leaving excess fat from the sausage can make your dish greasy. Always spoon out any fat after browning the sausage for a lighter meal.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can dull flavors in your dish. Be sure to add salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the overall taste.
• Neglecting to Broil: Skipping the broiling step means missing out on that golden, bubbly cheese topping. Broil briefly at the end for a delicious finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Use freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil for wrapping.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well-sealed.

Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Oven: Preheat to 350F, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover; heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked spaghetti casserole loaded with layers of sausage, marinara sauce, and creamy cheese that creates an irresistible comfort dish.

Can I customize Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Absolutely! You can swap out meats with ground turkey or beef, use different cheeses, or even add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

How do I prevent my Million Dollar Spaghetti from being dry?

Make sure you’re generous with the marinara sauce and allow it enough time to sit after baking. This helps retain moisture.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Yes! Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute. Just follow cooking instructions carefully since they may vary from traditional pasta.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe serves about 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Spaghetti is not only delicious but also versatile. With its creamy filling and hearty layers, it’s great for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or vegetables to make it your own! Give this tasty dish a try—you won’t regret it!