Million Dollar Spaghetti: 5-Layer Delicious Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting and indulgent casserole that brings together the best parts of two beloved dishes: spaghetti and lasagna. This recipe features layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all baked to golden perfection. The result is a satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this casserole is the perfect choice. It combines familiar ingredients in a new way, offering both heartiness and comfort. With its layers of cheesy goodness and savory sauce, Million Dollar Spaghetti is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why this Million Dollar Spaghetti is special

What makes this Million Dollar Spaghetti so special is its rich, creamy cheese layer that pairs perfectly with the hearty meat sauce. The layers of al dente spaghetti add the right amount of texture, creating a delicious and well-balanced dish that’s sure to be a hit with any crowd.

Ingredients

To make Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Cheese Mixture:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Pasta:
• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 3 tablespoons butter
• For Assembly:
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy your family and guests. The meat sauce provides depth and flavor, while the cheese mixture adds a smooth and cheesy texture. The spaghetti serves as the perfect base for all these delicious layers.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
• Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat while you prepare the pasta and cheese mixture. This will help develop the flavors.

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
• Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add the butter and toss the noodles until the butter is fully melted and the spaghetti is well-coated.

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Use a spoon or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well-combined.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
• Spread half of the buttered spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti, ensuring it covers the noodles entirely.
• Layer the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture. Gently press it down to ensure it’s compact.
• Pour the simmered meat sauce evenly over the top, spreading it to cover all the noodles.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the meat sauce, making sure to cover the casserole evenly.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the cheese to begin melting.
• After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help the cheese on top become bubbly and lightly browned.
• Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti, and serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Tips and Variations

• Meat Options: You can customize the meat in this dish to suit your preferences. If you’d like a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative to ground beef. You can also use all ground beef or all Italian sausage, depending on what you have on hand or prefer. The sausage adds a bit more flavor, while ground beef keeps it classic.
• Cheese Choices: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can easily substitute it with ricotta cheese at a 1:1 ratio. For a twist, try adding some shredded cheddar to the cheese mixture for a richer, more flavorful taste. This gives the casserole an extra cheesy kick.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: If you’re short on time, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Once assembled, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps it bake evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Freezing: This Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole freezes wonderfully! Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the original baking instructions.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the meat and use sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. This variation adds a lovely medley of flavors while still keeping the casserole hearty and filling.

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Spaghetti pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. A Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing is a great complement to the rich casserole. Alternatively, serve it with a mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the dish’s richness. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for a finishing touch.

FAQ

How many lbs of spaghetti for 100 people?

For 100 people, you’ll need approximately 25 pounds of dry spaghetti. This is equal to 400 ounces, and since a standard package typically contains 16 ounces, you’ll need about 25 packages. It’s always a good idea to prepare a little extra to account for varying appetites or those who love extra pasta!

What is the secret to good spaghetti?

The key to good spaghetti is cooking the pasta al dente, so it’s firm and not mushy. Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes for the sauce and authentic Italian seasoning, makes a big difference in flavor. Letting the sauce simmer slowly helps all the flavors meld together, creating a deep, savory taste that enhances the pasta. The perfect balance between sauce and pasta is essential!

How much spaghetti noodles for 50 people?

For 50 people, you’ll need around 12.5 pounds of dry spaghetti. This translates to 200 ounces, which is roughly 12 to 13 standard 16-ounce packages. It’s always a good idea to cook a little extra, as appetites can vary, and people often go for seconds when it’s this delicious!

How to make a lot of spaghetti?

When making spaghetti for a large group, cook the pasta in batches to avoid overcrowding in the pot, which can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure you use a large pot with plenty of water and salt for the best results. For the sauce, use a large stockpot and let it simmer slowly to develop a rich flavor. Assembling the spaghetti in large baking dishes is a great way to serve a crowd quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. Its delicious layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixture create a comforting and satisfying meal everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the tasty variations, this recipe is easy to adapt to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Make it the centerpiece of your next meal, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!

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