Introduction to Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to dinner tables. So why is it called Million Dollar Spaghetti? The name reflects its deliciously extravagant nature, boasting layers of flavor, creaminess, and that satisfying heartiness that can easily impress guests or warm the hearts of your family. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a rich and savory meat sauce, while the creamy cheese mixture elevates an everyday spaghetti dish to something special.
Picture this: It's a chilly evening, and you're curled up at home. You pull out this wonderfully cheesy, saucy creation from the oven, and it’s the aroma that first whispers “welcome home.” This dish not only satisfies hunger but also offers nostalgia—reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy nights in.
For more on pasta and how to create unforgettable meals, be sure to check out resources from Taste of Home and AllRecipes. Now, let’s dive into this delightful recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti
When it comes to creating a deliciously comforting dish like Million Dollar Spaghetti, having the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you need to gather before diving into this hearty meal.
Essential ingredients you'll need
- Spaghetti noodles (16 ounces) - the star of the dish!
- Ground beef (½ pound) - adds richness and depth.
- Ground Italian sausage (½ pound) - for that zesty flavor profile.
- Chopped onion (1 small) - brings a sweet aroma.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves) - because everything's better with garlic!
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces) - the luscious base that ties it all together.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened) - creates a creamy layer that's out of this world.
- Sour cream (¼ cup) - adds tanginess.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta (1 cup) - for extra creaminess.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups) - melts beautifully on top.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (⅔ cup) - for a savory finish.
Optional ingredients to enhance flavor
To take your Million Dollar Spaghetti to the next level, consider adding some optional ingredients:
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor.
- Bell peppers for added sweetness and crunch.
Experimenting with these extras can elevate your dish and cater to your personal taste! For more ideas, check out our guide on enhancing pasta flavors here. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Step-by-step preparation of Million Dollar Spaghetti
Creating Million Dollar Spaghetti at home is an excellent way to wow your friends and family while keeping things simple and delightful. Let’s break down the cooking process step-by-step, making it as easy as possible for you to enjoy this delicious dish.
Preheat your oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the entire dish cooks evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden brown. While that’s heating up, you can start on the meat sauce!
Make the meat sauce
In a large skillet, cook and crumble ½ pound of ground beef alongside ½ pound of ground Italian sausage. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking! Once browned, drain most of the grease. Then, add in a chopped small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 24 ounces of marinara sauce, making sure to reserve about ½ cup for later. Set this tasty meat sauce aside while you prepare the noodles.
Prepare the spaghetti noodles
Cook 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. While the spaghetti is still warm, add 3 tablespoons of butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce to the noodles, and toss until everything is well combined. This will help keep your pasta flavorful and moist.
Create the cheese layer
Now, for the gooey goodness! In a separate bowl, mix together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of cottage cheese or ricotta cheese. This cheesy layer will add a fantastic creaminess to the Million Dollar Spaghetti, making it really special.
Assemble the dish
It’s time to bring it all together! Pour half of the spaghetti into a greased 9x13” pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Carefully spread your cheese layer over this, then top with the remaining spaghetti noodles. Finally, spoon the meat sauce over the top, evening it out. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ⅔ cup of grated Parmesan over everything for that bubbly, cheesy goodness when it bakes.
Bake to perfection
Place your assembled dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on the cheese; if it's browning too quickly, gently tent a piece of aluminum foil over it. After baking, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before digging in. This allows the layers to set and makes serving a breeze!
And there you have it! Just follow these straightforward steps and you'll be on your way to savoring a comforting and indulgent plate of Million Dollar Spaghetti in no time. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Variations of Million Dollar Spaghetti
Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti
For a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic million dollar spaghetti, simply omit the meat. You can replace it with plant-based meat or go with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for added texture and flavor. The creamy cheese layers remain, making this dish just as comforting and rich as the original!
Gluten-free Option
If you or your loved ones need a gluten-free meal, swapping regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta will allow everyone to enjoy this delightful dish without worry. There are numerous options available, from rice-based to chickpea pasta, so pick your favorite and keep the flavors intact! For more gluten-free recipes, check out this great resource on gluten-free cooking.
Cooking tips and notes for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Make ahead and storing tips
Planning a gathering? This Million Dollar Spaghetti dish can be prepped a day ahead. Simply follow all steps up to baking, allow it to cool, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can also prepare the sauce, noodles, and cheese layer a few days in advance for even easier assembly when it’s time to entertain!
Freezing advice for leftovers
If you have extras, don’t fret! This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling (but before baking), cover it well with greased aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to indulge, thaw in the fridge for 1-2 days, then bake covered for about 20 minutes, uncovering it to let that cheesy goodness bubble up to perfection!
Serving suggestions for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Perfect side dishes to pair with your spaghetti
When it comes to servings for your Million Dollar Spaghetti, the right side dishes can elevate your meal to the next level. Here are a few delightful options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic companion, buttery and crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the cheesy goodness.
- Caesar Salad: Fresh romaine, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing create a wonderful contrast to the rich flavors of the spaghetti.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add vibrant color and balance out the dish.
Recommended garnishes and toppings
To finish off your Million Dollar Spaghetti, consider these tasty garnishes and toppings:
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Extra freshly grated parmesan on top amplifies the cheesy goodness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a hint of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can do wonders.
With these serving suggestions, your Million Dollar Spaghetti is sure to impress!
Time breakdown for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Preparation time
Get ready to nail this delicious dish! You'll need about 20 minutes for preparation. This includes chopping, mixing, and getting everything set for cooking.
Cooking time
Once you're organized, the cooking process will take around 40-50 minutes. It’s a bit of a wait, but trust me, the smell alone is worth it!
Total time
In just about 1 hour and 10 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering Million Dollar Spaghetti ready to serve. Set that timer and get excited for a delicious meal!
Nutritional Facts for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Calories per serving
With a satisfying 350 calories per serving, Million Dollar Spaghetti presents a delightful blend of flavors without overwhelming the calorie count. This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner while keeping your diet in check.
Breakdown of macronutrients
Each serving contains approximately:
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 19g
This macronutrient balance makes it a great choice for those seeking to enjoy a delicious meal while managing their nutritional intake. Feel free to customize it by substituting with lean meats or additional vegetables to suit your dietary needs! For more insights on healthy cooking, check out resources such as Healthline or Eat Right.
FAQs about Million Dollar Spaghetti
Can I substitute ingredients in Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Absolutely! One of the beautiful aspects of Million Dollar Spaghetti is its versatility. If you prefer turkey instead of beef, feel free to swap in turkey bacon or chicken ham for a lighter twist. You can also replace the marinara sauce with any favorite pasta sauce you have on hand. Don’t have cottage cheese? Ricotta will work beautifully, too!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To relive the deliciousness of your Million Dollar Spaghetti, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F, cover your dish with foil, and bake for about 20–25 minutes. If you're in a hurry, microwaving individual portions for about 2–3 minutes can work too—just don’t forget to stir halfway for even heating.
How does Million Dollar Spaghetti freeze?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is an excellent candidate for freezing! Prepare it up to the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When you're ready to dig in, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. For longer storage, it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months—just remember that good food takes a little time!
Conclusion on Million Dollar Spaghetti
In summary, Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just a meal; it's a comforting experience that's perfect for gatherings or quiet nights in. With its delightful layers of cheese, savory sauce, and flavorful meat, it’s bound to impress! Try it this week and elevate your dinner game effortlessly.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Equipment
- large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Pasta and Meats
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 0.5 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Cheeses and Other Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage and season with salt and pepper. Remove most of the grease. Add onions and garlic and cook for a few minutes until onion is translucent. Add all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce (reserve ½ cup for later) to the mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Prepare noodles: Cook Spaghetti according to package instructions, just until 'al dente'. Drain, and place hot spaghetti in a large mixing bowl with butter and ½ cup reserved marinara sauce and toss to combine.
- Make Cheese layer: Combine cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble: Pour HALF of the pasta into a 9×13’’ pan. Smooth cheese layer on top. Top with remaining noodles. Add meat sauce on top and smooth into an even layer. Top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Check it around 20 minutes and if the cheese is browning too quickly, tent a piece of tinfoil over it. Wait at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving, to allow it to set up. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply