Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Are you craving a rich, indulgent pasta dish that's loaded with layers of flavor, creamy cheeses, and hearty meat sauce? Look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe! It's a perfect combination of spaghetti, a luscious cheese mixture, and a savory meat sauce that will make you feel like a million bucks. Whether you're preparing a family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your apron, and let's dive into how to create this delectable dish that lives up to its name!

this Recipe

What is "Million Dollar Spaghetti"?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole that takes traditional spaghetti to a whole new level. The dish gets its name from its incredibly rich and creamy ingredients that transform ordinary pasta into a “million-dollar” meal. It’s a hybrid between lasagna and spaghetti with layers of meat sauce, cheeses, and spaghetti noodles, all baked to golden perfection. This is not your average spaghetti night; it's comfort food at its finest, offering a combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this show-stopping dish. Make sure to gather all the ingredients beforehand for a seamless cooking experience:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese for a creamier texture)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound spaghetti noodles
• Salt for boiling water
• 2 tablespoons butter (to toss the noodles after cooking)

Substitutions and Variations

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is versatile and customizable. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version. You can also use Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
• Cheese: If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, swap it with ricotta for a smoother, creamier texture. You can also use a different blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
• Sauce: While marinara is the go-to sauce, feel free to use a homemade tomato sauce or even a vodka sauce for a slightly different flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat entirely and add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular spaghetti noodles for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and possible variations, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious casserole from start to finish.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when you finish assembling the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and toss them with butter to keep them from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess fat and return the skillet to the heat. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Now it's time to start assembling! In a large baking dish (9x13 works best), spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles over the sauce. Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles, then layer on the remaining spaghetti. Top with the remaining meat sauce, making sure to cover the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the meat sauce. This will create that delicious golden-brown cheesy crust when baked.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil the pasta: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and toss with butter.
3. Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef or sausage, add onions and garlic, then stir in marinara sauce and seasonings.
4. Mix the cheeses: Combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and some mozzarella in a bowl.
5. Layer the ingredients: Begin with a meat sauce base, then half the noodles, followed by the cheese mixture, more noodles, and top with the remaining meat sauce.
6. Top with cheese: Add the remaining mozzarella on top.
7. Bake and enjoy: Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: The spaghetti will continue to cook in the oven, so be sure to cook it until just al dente.
• Skipping the butter: Tossing the noodles with butter prevents them from sticking together and ensures that each bite is flavorful.
• Not softening the cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is soft before mixing, or you'll end up with lumps in the cheese mixture.
• Not covering the dish with foil initially: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking ensures that the cheese doesn’t burn before the casserole is fully heated through.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a dish that doesn’t need much fuss when it comes to serving. However, a few presentation tips can elevate the dining experience.

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the rich, cheesy dish.
• Serve in slices: After letting the baked spaghetti rest for a few minutes, cut it into squares or slices like lasagna for a neat presentation.
• Pair with sides: Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but pairing it with sides can enhance the meal. Consider offering:

• A simple green salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks: These are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
• A glass of red wine: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs wonderfully with the cheesy, meaty flavors of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Serve family-style: Present the casserole in the baking dish for a rustic, casual feel. Let guests serve themselves.
• Use individual ramekins: For a more formal presentation, consider baking the spaghetti in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Let it rest before cutting: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking so the layers set, making it easier to slice.
• Double the recipe for a crowd: This dish is perfect for feeding a large group, and it’s easy to double the recipe.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze it! Prepare the dish but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian twist.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting, hearty, and irresistible dish that is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions. Its combination of creamy cheese layers, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti creates a meal that's bound to become a family favorite. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it to suit your tastes, this dish truly lives up to its “million-dollar” name. Be sure to bookmark this recipe and make it the next time you're craving something rich and satisfying!

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