The million dollar spaghetti casserole is a luscious blend of Italian flavors, combining creamy, cheesy layers of indulgence with robust spaghetti sauce and succulent sweet Italian sausage. The dish is a perfect comfort food that will make your dinner feel like a feast.
While most of the ingredients for the million dollar spaghetti casserole are common pantry staples, you might not have sweet Italian sausage and cream cheese readily available. When shopping, be sure to pick up sweet Italian sausage rather than hot, to balance the flavors. Additionally, cream cheese, which lends a creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the dish, will be found in the dairy section.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Spaghetti noodles: The backbone of the casserole, spaghetti noodles are the substantial part that gives the dish its body and texture.
Yellow onion: It adds a nice aromatic base to the casserole, and provides a sweetness that elevates the other flavors.
Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a strong, pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
Sweet Italian sausage: This is the meaty component of the casserole that gives it heft and rich, savory flavor.
Italian seasoning: A combination of herbs that gives the dish an authentic Italian flavor.
Spaghetti sauce: The sauce binds all the ingredients together and adds a tangy, sweet, and savory taste.
Cottage cheese: Gives the dish a creamy and tangy note that balances out the rich flavors.
Cream cheese: It adds a rich and creamy texture to the casserole.
Sour cream: The slight tang of sour cream provides a nice contrast to the richness of the other ingredients.
Mozzarella: This is melted into a deliciously gooey layer that adds a beautiful stretch and a creamy flavor.
Butter: It enhances the rich flavor of the casserole and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
One reader, Jackson Fortune says:
This million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe is a game-changer! The blend of flavors is simply divine, and the creamy cheese layer adds a luxurious touch. It's a hit with my family every time, and the leftovers are just as delicious. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Techniques Required for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
How to cook spaghetti noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the original pot.
How to prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined and set aside.
How to assemble the casserole: Layer the ingredients in a 9x13-inch baking dish in the following order: half of the butter slices, half of the cooked spaghetti, the cheese mixture, the remaining spaghetti, the remaining butter slices, the tomato meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella.
How to bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the assembled casserole for 35 to 45 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to serve: Cut the casserole into portions and serve hot. Enjoy!
How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Bake up this delectable spaghetti casserole to serve a big crowd for dinner! It’s rich, creamy, and full of delectable Italian flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 16ozspaghetti noodles,dried
- 1large yellow onion,chopped
- 6garlic cloves,minced
- 1½lbssweet Italian sausage,casing removed
- 3tspItalian seasoning,dried, divided
- 48ozspaghetti sauce,2 jars, divided
- 8ozcottage cheese,or ricotta cheese
- 8ozcream cheese,at room temperature
- ¼cupsour cream
- 3cupsmozzarella,shredded, divided
- ½cupbutter,cut into slices, divided
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain well, then return the pasta to original pot.
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Add 1 jar of prepared spaghetti sauce, then combine. Set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the onion and garlic, then cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Add the sausage and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to skillet, then cook until no pink remains. Drain well.
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Add 1 jar of spaghetti sauce to skillet. Set aside.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Set aside.
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Place half the slices of butter in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
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Spread half the spaghetti in dish, then spread the cheese mixture evenly over spaghetti.
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Spread the remaining spaghetti over cheese mixture, then top with the remaining butter slices.
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Pour the tomato meat sauce evenly over top layer of spaghetti, then top with the remaining mozzarella.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35 for 45 minutes until the casserole is heated through.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 532.43kcal
- Fat: 29.22g
- Saturated Fat: 15.22g
- Trans Fat: 0.32g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.91g
- Carbohydrates: 41.94g
- Fiber: 3.59g
- Sugar: 9.34g
- Protein: 25.54g
- Cholesterol: 88.23mg
- Sodium: 1118.11mg
- Calcium: 246.19mg
- Potassium: 658.37mg
- Iron: 2.63mg
- Vitamin A: 237.31µg
- Vitamin C: 3.94mg
Technique Tip for Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
To ensure your spaghetti is cooked to perfection, use the 'al dente' method. This means cooking the pasta until it is firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its shape, especially when baked in a casserole. To achieve 'al dente', start tasting the pasta a few minutes before the end of the cooking time suggested on the package. Once drained, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This will give your million dollar spaghetti casserole a perfect texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Casserole
Prep ahead: Prepare the spaghetti sauce and cheese mixture the day before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cooked sausage: Consider using pre-cooked Italian sausage to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.
Organize ingredients: Gather and organize all the ingredients and utensils before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce and cheese mixture to save time and make the process more efficient.
Invest in a good quality cheese grater: Grating cheese with a high-quality grater can save time and effort compared to using a lower-quality grater.
Delegate: Enlist the help of family members or friends to assist with the preparation, making the cooking process more enjoyable and efficient.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot to cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in the same pot to minimize clean-up time.
Pre-portion ingredients: Pre-measure and pre-portion the ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother and more organized.
Batch cooking: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for a future meal to save time on cooking in the future.
Invest in quality cookware: Using high-quality pots and pans can help distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking, ultimately saving time and effort in the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
spaghetti noodles - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional spaghetti noodles, making this dish lighter and healthier.
sweet italian sausage - Substitute with plant-based sausage: Plant-based sausage provides a meaty texture and savory flavor while being suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
cottage cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for cottage cheese in this recipe.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy element similar to cream cheese while adding a boost of protein to the dish.
mozzarella - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can offer a sharper flavor and melt beautifully, adding a delicious twist to the traditional mozzarella.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a rich flavor and moisture to the dish.
Presenting Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use a large, white, rectangular plate to showcase the layers of the casserole beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil and parsley. Sprinkle them delicately over the casserole for a pop of vibrant green.
Create a clean sauce drizzle: Using a squeeze bottle, carefully drizzle a small amount of the remaining spaghetti sauce in a clean, artistic pattern around the edge of the plate. This adds a professional touch to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, strategically around the casserole to add a touch of elegance and a subtle hint of floral flavor.
Use high-quality serving utensils: When serving the casserole, use sleek and polished stainless steel serving utensils to maintain a professional and sophisticated presentation.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan: Just before serving, delicately sprinkle a fine dusting of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Serve with a side salad: Accompany the casserole with a small side salad of mixed baby greens dressed lightly with a simple vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Spaghetti Casserole
- Large pot: For boiling the spaghetti noodles.
- Skillet: Used for cooking the onion, garlic, and Italian sausage.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the cheese mixture.
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
- Oven: To bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storing and Freezing Your Spaghetti Casserole
Let the million dollar spaghetti casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the name and date. The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat the refrigerated casserole, remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
If reheating from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then cover the dish with fresh foil. Bake the frozen casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 1 hour, or until it's heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown.
Alternatively, you can thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will reduce the reheating time to about 30-40 minutes.
For individual servings, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Spaghetti Casserole
To reheat leftover million dollar spaghetti casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the spaghetti is heated through and the cheese is melted. The damp paper towel will help prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating.
For a crispy top, after reheating the casserole in the oven or microwave, remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to ensure the top doesn't burn. This will give you a deliciously golden and crispy cheese topping.
If the leftover casserole seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of pasta sauce or water before reheating to help moisten the dish and prevent it from drying out further during the reheating process.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, consume reheated million dollar spaghetti casserole within 1-2 days of initial preparation. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Random Fact About Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe is a popular comfort food dish that originated in the United States. It is known for its rich and indulgent flavors, making it a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. This dish can be customized with different types of cheese, meats, and seasonings to suit individual preferences. It's a great make-ahead meal and can be frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The combination of spaghetti, cheese, and savory sauce creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please a crowd.
Is This Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe is a budget-friendly option for households. With affordable ingredients like spaghetti noodles, sweet Italian sausage, and cottage cheese, it offers a cost-effective solution for feeding a family of four. The total cost for this recipe is approximately $20, making it an economical choice for home-cooked meals. In terms of cost-effectiveness, this dish scores a solid 8 out of 10, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the generous amounts of cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and butter used. Excessive saturated fat intake can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The use of Italian sausage adds additional fat and sodium to the dish. Processed meats like sausage have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and other health problems.
- The recipe is also high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly without proper portion control.
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- The dish does include some vegetables in the form of onion and garlic, which offer some nutritional benefits.
- The recipe uses a significant amount of tomato-based spaghetti sauce, which can provide some vitamins and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat or high-protein pasta instead of regular spaghetti to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Replace the Italian sausage with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat and sodium content
- Reduce the amount of cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and butter used, or opt for lower-fat versions of these ingredients
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce or as a layer in the casserole
- Use a low-sodium spaghetti sauce or make your own sauce from scratch to control the sodium content
- Practice portion control and serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Spaghetti Casserole
This million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of sweet Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and rich tomato sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The layers of spaghetti, cheese mixture, and savory meat sauce come together to create a comforting and satisfying casserole. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great option for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
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Why trust this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring Italian sausage and a rich blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella. The layers of savory spaghetti and flavorful tomato meat sauce create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. With the perfect balance of Italian seasoning and the comforting aroma of garlic and onion, this dish is a testament to classic Italian cuisine. Trust in the combination of quality ingredients and tried-and-true cooking methods to deliver a truly unforgettable dining experience.
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