Million Dollar Spaghetti
A delicious layered dish of spaghetti, marinara, and cheeses, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for layering.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat after cooking.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the sausage and stir to combine, ensuring the meat is well-coated. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked spaghetti with the sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
This dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. It’s also freezer-friendly and can last up to 3 months when stored properly. Add sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition or kick it up with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy option.