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Prepare to discover a culinary treasure! This incredible Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a lavish, comforting experience, layering tender spaghetti with a rich meaty marinara and an irresistible creamy, cheesy center.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti

This beloved Million Dollar Spaghetti quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s incredibly satisfying and offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures in every single bite. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Unforgettable Flavor: Savory ground Italian sausage, bright marinara, and a decadent triple-cheese layer create pure culinary magic.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy evening or a gathering.
Easy to Make: Despite its ‘million dollar’ name, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
Feeds a Crowd: Generous portions make it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit dietary needs or personal preferences.
Stunning Presentation: Layers of pasta and cheese make for a beautiful dish that impresses guests.
Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Achieve gourmet taste without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Needed for Your Million Dollar Spaghetti

Crafting this irresistible baked Million Dollar Spaghetti requires a few simple yet impactful ingredients. Selecting quality components ensures the best flavor and texture in your finished dish.

450g / 1 lb Spaghetti: Choose a good quality durum wheat pasta for the best al dente texture.
450g / 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage: Opt for a lean ground Italian sausage (beef or turkey) for rich flavor.
1 large / 1.5 cups chopped Onion: Fresh, firm onions will provide the best aromatic base.
4 cloves Garlic: Minced fresh garlic offers an unparalleled pungent kick.
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your desired level of warmth and spice.
700g / 24 oz Marinara Sauce: A high-quality store-bought or homemade marinara is essential for depth of flavor.
2 cups / 225g shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a gooey topping.
225g / 8 oz softened Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides ultimate creaminess to the inner layer.
425g / 15 oz Ricotta Cheese: Part-skim or whole milk ricotta forms the luxurious, smooth cheese filling.
1/2 cup / 50g grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth.
1 tsp Garlic Powder: Boosts the overall garlic flavor in the cheese mixture.
1 tsp dried Oregano: Provides a classic Italian herbaceous note to the cheese layer.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Crazy Good Lasagna – Layered pasta perfection for your next family meal.

Essential Equipment for This Baked Spaghetti

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth cooking process. These items are crucial for assembling your decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti.

Large Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) dish is a must-have for layering.
Large Pot: Essential for boiling the spaghetti to perfection.
Large Skillet: Needed for browning the ground Italian sausage and sautéing aromatics.
Mixing Bowls: Several bowls will help with preparing the cheese mixture and combining ingredients.
Sturdy Spatula & Spoon: For mixing, stirring, and spreading those delicious layers.

Recipe Overview

Get ready to create this show-stopping Million Dollar Spaghetti with ease. Here’s a quick glance at what to expect:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 people
Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Follow these clear, concise steps to construct your magnificent Million Dollar Spaghetti, layering flavors and textures for an unforgettable meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Heart and Meaty Sauce

First, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir vigorously until this luxurious mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Set it aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your ground Italian sausage with the chopped onions. Break up the sausage as it cooks until no pink remains and the onions are softened and translucent.
Add in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just one more minute until fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Combine and Layer the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then return the perfectly cooked pasta to the same pot.
Stir in the rich sausage and onion mixture from your skillet, along with the marinara sauce, thoroughly coating every strand of spaghetti.
To begin layering your Million Dollar Spaghetti, spread half of this glorious pasta mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
Next, carefully spread the smooth, creamy cheese mixture from your bowl over the first layer of pasta, creating that delicious inner cheesy heart.

Step 3: Finish and Bake to Perfection

Top this creamy layer with the remaining half of the pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly, hot, and boasts a gorgeous golden-brown hue. If the top browns too quickly, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making for cleaner slices.

CHECK OUT: Garlic Butter Bread Rolls – The perfect buttery, savory side for any pasta dish!

Tips for Success with Million Dollar Spaghetti

Achieve truly spectacular Million Dollar Spaghetti with these expert tips, ensuring every bite is pure perfection.

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook spaghetti just to al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Soften Cream Cheese: Always use softened cream cheese for a perfectly smooth cheese layer.
Drain Fat: Ensure you drain excess fat from the sausage to prevent a greasy dish.
Quality Marinara: A good quality marinara sauce makes a significant difference to the overall flavor.
Let It Rest: Allow the baked dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Variations & Substitutions for This Baked Spaghetti

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti.
Vegetarian Option: Replace Italian sausage with a plant-based ground meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
Extra Veggies: Stir in finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the marinara sauce.
Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a bolder kick.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with provolone or a sharp white cheddar for the top layer.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Million Dollar Spaghetti experience with these delightful pairings. A hearty dish like this pairs beautifully with fresh, lighter sides.

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Garlic Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned steamed vegetables provide a refreshing contrast.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or a fruit-infused water complement the meal nicely.

Health Benefits

While undeniably indulgent, Million Dollar Spaghetti also offers some valuable nutrition to fuel your body and satisfy your soul.

Protein Power: The ground Italian sausage and various cheeses provide a substantial protein boost for muscle health.
Energy from Carbs: Spaghetti offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy throughout your day.
Calcium Rich: Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan contribute calcium for strong bones.
Vitamins & Minerals: Marinara sauce, garlic, and onion add beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

Storage & Reheating

Planning ahead? This Million Dollar Spaghetti stores and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for delicious leftovers.

Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions or the entire dish (unbaked or baked) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating (Oven): Cover with foil and bake at 160°C (325°F) until heated through, then uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese.
Reheating (Microwave): For individual servings, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Spaghetti

Have questions about this incredible Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe? We’ve got the answers to help you master this dish!

Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What kind of Italian sausage should I use?

Any ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, beef or turkey) works great. Just ensure it’s ground and browns easily.

Can I use different types of pasta?

While spaghetti is traditional, you can certainly experiment with other long pastas like linguine or even a shorter pasta like ziti or penne.

Why is it called “Million Dollar Spaghetti”?

The name likely comes from its incredibly rich, decadent flavor and luxurious layers of cheese and meat, making it taste like a million dollars!

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Also, ensure your sauce isn’t too watery, as excess moisture can lead to mushy pasta.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would be excellent additions to the sausage mixture or mixed with the marinara.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Definitely! Its hearty nature and excellent reheating qualities make it a fantastic choice for meal prepping throughout the week.

More Delicious Dishes to Try

If you loved the comfort and flavor of our Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll certainly enjoy these other amazing recipes from our kitchen!

Try our Stuffed Shells for another cheesy, pasta-filled delight that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Warm up with a bowl of our savory Lasagna Soup, offering all the classic flavors in a comforting, spoonable form.
For a hearty baked meal, whip up our Chicken Parmesan Casserole – a cheesy, saucy, and incredibly flavorful crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is truly a showstopper, delivering unparalleled comfort and flavor. We hope you enjoy crafting and sharing this amazing dish! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious inspirations.

Million Dollar Spaghetti