Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a dish that brings comfort, satisfaction, and a touch of indulgence to the dinner table. Picture layers of flavorful spaghetti mingling with savory sausage, rich marinara, and creamy cheese melting together into a bubbling masterpiece. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight or a gathering of family and friends. As someone who has made this dish countless times, I can assure you that it not only delights the palate but also fills the home with an inviting aroma that makes everyone feel welcomed.

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

This recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it offers a delightful blend of flavors that appeal to both children and adults alike, making it a sure hit at any gathering. Second, it’s highly adaptable and budget-friendly; you can easily swap out the ingredients based on what’s available in your pantry. Finally, it’s an excellent dish for meal prepping—perfect for those busy days when you want something nutritious and delicious in no time.

"I made Million Dollar Spaghetti for my family last Sunday, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s definitely going into our regular meal rotation."

Ultimately, this dish deserves a place on your table for effortless meals that don’t compromise on taste or quality.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Million Dollar Spaghetti is a straightforward process that combines cooking and baking into a delightful dish. It begins with cooking the spaghetti and sausage separately and then bringing them together with a medley of creamy cheeses and marinara sauce. The baking step seals the deal, creating a cheesy, bubbly top that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, make sure you have the following essentials on hand:

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• Spaghetti: About 12 oz., cooked al dente.
• Sausage: 1 lb., preferably Italian for that extra flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: 2 cups, your choice of brand or homemade.
• Cheese: 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup cheddar, shredded.
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz., softened for creaminess.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Feel free to substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option or try different cheeses to customize your dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the sausage until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend thoroughly.
5. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
6. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving up those generous portions!

Best Way to Serve

Million Dollar Spaghetti can be a stand-alone dish, but it’s wonderful when paired with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Try serving it with a crisp Caesar salad or a classic mixed greens salad topped with vinaigrette. For some added flair, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the cheesy surface before serving.

Storage Tips

To keep your Million Dollar Spaghetti fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or use the microwave for individual servings. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze it after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Expert Advice

For an even tastier experience, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat or mix in some veggies such as bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition. If you find yourself short on time during the week, making the spaghetti ahead of time and baking it just before serving can save you precious moments in the kitchen.

Creative Twists

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo for a creamy alternative, or use different kinds of meat, like ground beef or turkey. Allergy concerns? Gluten-free pasta is also a great option! You can even transform these ingredients into a layered baked casserole by changing up the layering order.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Total prep and cooking time is approximately 1 hour, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

Can I substitute the sausages?

Absolutely! Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or try plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it beforehand and bake it just before serving, or you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

With these handy tips, ideas, and answers, you’re well-equipped to tackle Million Dollar Spaghetti and impress your friends and family! Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and indulgent layered spaghetti dish with savory sausage, marinara, and creamy cheese baked to perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz. spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 1 lb. Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the sausage until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend thoroughly.
5. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
6. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Best served with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: pasta, comfort food, baked spaghetti, Italian recipes, family meal