This Million Dollar Spaghetti features a rich combination of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a decadent cheese filling. It’s baked to perfection with a layer of melted mozzarella, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love It:
This baked spaghetti casserole is destined to be your new favorite! Packed with savory Italian sausage, cheesy pasta, and all the flavors you love in a hearty pasta bake, it’s a simple but delicious dish that easily feeds a crowd. Despite taking a little more time to prepare, it’s incredibly straightforward and budget-friendly!
Ingredients:
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb uncooked spaghetti
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Prepare Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and return it to the pot.
- Cook Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and crumbled, about 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Add the sausage mixture to the pot with the drained spaghetti. Stir in the marinara sauce and mix until well-coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Add half of the pasta and sauce mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting into portions. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Refrigerate: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Freeze: Assemble and freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, it will take longer—bake covered with foil until heated through, then broil the top.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Million Dollar Spaghetti with cheesy garlic bread or crusty breadsticks.
- A side salad, such as Caesar or balsamic, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra sauce to keep it moist. This dish is not recommended for freezing after baking as the pasta may become too soft.
Notes:
- You can swap the sausage for ground beef if you prefer.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Feel free to customize the cheese layer with cottage cheese or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
Enjoy the Million Dollar Spaghetti—it’s cheesy, saucy, and utterly delicious!