As a lover of Italian cuisine, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that combines the best of spaghetti and lasagna: Million Dollar Spaghetti. This dish is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and easy to make. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it, how to make it, and some great tips for customization.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Serving Size: 12 servings
Why You’ll Love It
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser that brings together layers of spaghetti, a hearty meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. It’s perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. The combination of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and three types of cheese makes it a true comfort food.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 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 grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce (reserving 1/2 cup for later) and simmer for a few minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and toss them with butter and the reserved marinara sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Layer
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti noodles.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add the remaining noodles on top.
- Pour the meat sauce over the noodles.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
- Add some fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor and color.
Tips for Customization
- Meat Options: Use all beef or all sausage if you prefer.
- Cheese Variations: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use cheddar instead of mozzarella.
- Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
FAQs
Q: Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce, noodles, and cheese layer up to 3 days in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.
Q: How do I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
A: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover with greased aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti!
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