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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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4.3 from 27 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and comforting baked spaghetti casserole layered with a flavorful Italian sausage marinara sauce and a creamy blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with melted mozzarella for a bubbly golden finish. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish combines classic Italian flavors with an indulgent cheesy twist.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, softened)
  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third for optimal baking.
  2. Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, freshly grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  4. Brown the sausage and onion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion together, breaking up the meat as it cooks, for approximately 10 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
  5. Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat from the pan.
  6. Combine sauce and pasta: Pour the sausage mixture into the pot with the cooked spaghetti. Add the marinara sauce and toss thoroughly with tongs or two large spoons until the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. Layer the casserole: Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  8. Add cheese layer: Spread the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the first pasta layer. It’s fine if it’s a bit messy.
  9. Finish layering: Add the remaining pasta and sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  10. Bake and broil: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and then broil for a few minutes while watching carefully until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set. Cut into portions with a spatula and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use good quality Italian sausage (mild or spicy depending on preference).
  • Cooking the pasta slightly under done prevents mushiness after baking.
  • Broiling time varies; watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese topping.
  • The casserole may not cut into perfectly even squares because of the soft cheese layer, but it will be delicious and saucy.
  • Leftovers reheat well and tend to be even more flavorful the next day.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/million-dollar-spaghetti-recipe/