Are you looking for an easy, delicious way to feed your family and friends without breaking the bank? Look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe! This sumptuous dish is made with just a few ingredients that can easily be found in any grocery store. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, you won’t have to worry about spending hours in the kitchen – this recipe comes together quickly, so you’ll have more time to spend with those you love. So if you’re ready for a meal that tastes like a million bucks but costs much less, then keep reading for all the details on how to make this scrumptious spaghetti!
Table of Contents
What Is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a classic Italian-American spaghetti casserole recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s believed to have originated in the 1950s, and since then it’s estimated that more than 1 million people worldwide have made this dish! With its delicious layers of melted cheese, savory sauce, and tender noodles, it’s no wonder why this hearty meal continues to be loved by so many.
This Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole can easily make an impressive dinner fit for any family gathering or special occasion. Plus, with only seven ingredients needed to whip up this crowd-pleaser, you don’t need to break the bank if feeding a hungry crowd. All you need are some basic pantry staples plus ground beef, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, pasta shells and parsley flakes – all readily available at your local grocery store.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s take a look at what ingredients you’ll need for this delectable Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole recipe.
Ingredients
For this Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole recipe, you’ll need just seven ingredients. Here’s a quick list to get you started:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese
- 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces of jumbo pasta shells
- Parsley flakes
It’s that simple! All these items are available at your local grocery store and will cost no more than $10-$15 – so it won’t break the bank if you’re feeding a large group or family gathering. Plus, with such minimal ingredients required for the recipe, it’s easy to whip up in minutes!
To ensure the best results, make sure to use high-quality ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra-virgin olive oil when cooking this dish – as both add delicious flavor and texture to the final product. So don’t skimp out here; always opt for quality over quantity when making this classic Italian-American meal! With all the necessary ingredients now in hand, let’s move on to assembling our Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole.
Tools Needed
When it comes to cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference. For this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen utensils such as a spaghetti pot, baking dish and grater – all of which are essential for achieving maximum flavor and texture in your final product.
To begin with, grab your trusty spaghetti pot so you can start boiling up those jumbo pasta shells while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Make sure that you cook them al dente – not too soft, but also not raw either! Then transfer them to an ice bath once they’re done cooking; this will help stop their cooking process so they don’t get overly mushy later on in the preparation.
Now that we have our main ingredient prepped and ready to go, let’s move onto prepping our baking dish by greasing it down with some butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure that nothing sticks during the baking process – plus it adds an extra bit of flavor too! Lastly, use your grater to finely grate both Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese into tiny pieces – perfect for topping off our delicious million dollar spaghetti casserole! Now that we have all of these components together, we just need to assemble them before popping it into the oven.
Preparing The Sauce
Now that we’ve prepped our tools, it’s time to begin preparing the sauce for this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe. To make a delicious spaghetti sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
Let’s get started by heating some olive oil in a large pot. Once the oil is hot, add chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and fragrant – about five minutes or so. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two before adding crushed tomatoes to the mix. Now let everything simmer together on low heat for at least 15-20 minutes; this will give your sauce enough time to develop all of its full flavors. Lastly, season with salt and pepper as desired before removing from the stovetop and setting aside. You should now have your very own homemade spaghetti sauce ready to go!
Boiling The Noodles
Now that you have your homemade spaghetti sauce ready to go, it’s time to start boiling the noodles. Before we jump in, there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking pasta – always use plenty of water and make sure it’s salted for flavor. When adding the noodles, be sure not to overcrowd them as this can cause uneven cooking. Once everything is added and boiling, give it about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the cooked noodles and set aside before moving on to the next step.
When it comes to perfecting our Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe, topping off with cheese and meat is key! To ensure all ingredients come together nicely, here’s what you’ll need: shredded mozzarella cheese, ground beef (or sausage), frozen spinach (optional) and grated Parmesan cheese. Let’s begin by preheating the oven to 350°F while also browning some ground beef or sausage over medium heat in a skillet; if using frozen spinach, add it now too! Once everything is cooked through, remove from heat and set aside. Now take out a large bowl and mix together prepared pasta noodles with desired amount of spaghetti sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese; stir until fully combined with no dry spots remaining.
At last, transfer mixture into an oven safe baking dish before popping it into the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. And just like that – you’re ready for serving up your very own Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Mixing The Cheese And Meat
Now that the pasta has been cooked and drained, it’s time to mix together all of our savory ingredients. This is where we bring in the cheese and meat – a crucial part of creating Million Dollar Spaghetti! To start off, take out a large bowl and combine prepared pasta noodles with desired amount of spaghetti sauce; stir until fully combined with no dry spots remaining. Then add shredded mozzarella cheese for flavor along with ground beef or sausage (or even frozen spinach as an alternative) and grated Parmesan cheese – stirring again until everything comes together nicely like one cohesive mixture.
Once complete, transfer mixture into an oven safe baking dish before popping it into the preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. With this final step, we’re almost ready to serve up our delicious creation – Million Dollar Spaghetti! Before assembling the dish however, let’s quickly go over some key tips when preparing this crowd pleaser: be sure not to overcrowd your noodles while boiling them and always use plenty of water salted for flavor; also don’t forget to add both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for maximum taste explosion! By following these guidelines, you’ll have everyone raving about your homemade version of Million Dollar Spaghetti.
Assembling The Dish
Having successfully prepped all the ingredients, it’s time to assemble our Million Dollar Spaghetti dish for baking. This is where we bring together pasta preparation and cheese layering into one delicious meal. To get started, take out a large baking dish and start scooping in spoonfuls of mixture – making sure to spread evenly across the bottom before topping with additional sauce. Once this layer is complete, sprinkle on more shredded mozzarella cheese as well as Parmesan cheese before adding another layer of prepared noodles and meat/spinach mix (or whatever filling you prefer!). Repeat these steps until your desired thickness has been achieved; then top off with extra sauce and more cheeses if desired.
Now let’s move onto the final step: getting the Million Dollar Spaghetti ready for oven-baking!
Baking In The Oven
The time has come to get our Million Dollar Spaghetti dish ready for the oven. We’ll need to preheat it first, so turn your oven up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and give it some time to heat up. Once that’s done, we can move onto baking! Here are a few steps you’ll want to take:
1) Top off with extra cheese if desired; this will help create a golden-brown top once baked.
2) Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in preheated oven; bake covered for 30 minutes.
3) Remove foil and continue baking uncovered until casserole is bubbling and cheesy topping is golden brown – typically around 10–15 more minutes.
4) Let cool before serving; enjoy!
Baking the Million Dollar Spaghetti in the oven brings all of its flavors together into one delicious meal – perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It takes just a bit of effort, but the end result is worth it! With melted cheeses atop layers of pasta and meat/spinach mix, you’re sure to have mouths watering as soon as that first slice hits the plate. So go ahead and pop it in the oven – in no time at all you’ll be able to serve up your very own creation made with love (and plenty of cheese!).
Topping With Extra Cheese
Nothing elevates a Million Dollar Spaghetti dish quite like an extra cheese topping! Whether you’re looking for something traditional and comforting, or wanting to get creative with some new ideas – melted cheeses can take your meal from good to great. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of that cheesy goodness:
First up, let’s talk about the type of cheese you choose. Opting for something milder, like mozzarella or cheddar will create a creamy flavor without overpowering the rest of the ingredients – while stronger flavors like feta or parmesan offer more robust taste sensations. Experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for your palate.
Next, consider whether you’d like pre-shredded or block cheeses. Pre-shredded cheeses tend to melt faster than their counterparts (saving time in the kitchen) but also lack in flavor compared to freshly grated options; if using pre-shredded varieties, look out for added preservatives and sodium content as well. Block cheeses on the other hand require more effort upfront, but will result in richer flavors when all is said and done.
Whichever option you decide upon – be sure not to skimp on quantity! Generously top off your million dollar spaghetti with plenty of cheese before baking; its gooey texture and delectable flavor will bring this classic family favorite alive in so many delicious ways.
Tips For Success
From getting the right kind of cheese to baking it just right, there are a few key things you can do to ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti dish is nothing short of spectacular. Here are some top tips for making sure everything comes out perfect:
First up, always use fresh pasta when possible. Freshness counts for a lot in terms of flavor and texture – so don’t be tempted by those convenient pre-packaged options. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose, but generally speaking – al dente is best!
When it comes to sauce, less is often more; opt for simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and herbs that will enhance rather than overpower the other flavors in the dish. Be mindful not to overmix or overcook too – this could lead to an unappetizing gloopy mess instead of a delicious spaghetti dinner!
Finally (and most importantly!) remember that timing matters with any recipe. Baking time should be adjusted according to how much cheese was used as well as its thickness – keep an eye on the oven while cooking and take it out once it looks golden brown and bubbly. With these easy pasta-cooking tips under your belt, you’ll have no trouble creating a million dollar spaghetti dish like a pro!
Variations Of Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a classic dish that can be adapted to suit any taste. Whether you’re looking for something vegetarian-friendly, extra spicy or just want to get creative in the kitchen – there are plenty of ways to customize your million dollar pasta! Here are some variations to try:
For vegetarians, why not substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini? This will give an earthy umami flavour while still keeping the creamy texture we all know and love. For added kick, add chili flakes during the cooking process – this will give an intense heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce perfectly. You could even switch up the type of cheese used if you prefer; mozzarella for a milder flavor or blue cheese for something more robust.
Mixing it up doesn’t have to stop at ingredients either – by experimenting with different shapes of pasta (like shells) as well as baking times, you’re sure to end up with nothing short of restaurant-quality results every time! With so many options available, no two dishes need ever be alike – giving everyone their own unique way of enjoying Million Dollar Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a dish that looks and tastes like it came from the finest of Italian restaurants. Not only does it look stunning, but its creamy texture can be enjoyed in a variety of ways for a truly unique experience. Whether you’re serving it as the main course or looking for sides to add some extra flavor, there are plenty of options available.
For meat-eaters, adding chicken sausage or bacon pieces makes this classic even more indulgent and flavorful. If you’d rather stick to vegetarian alternatives, try roasted eggplant or olives – both will give your million dollar spaghetti an added kick! To top off your meal with something fresh and crunchy, add vegetable toppings such as tomatoes and peppers – they’ll provide a lovely contrast to the cheesy sauce while still allowing each ingredient to shine through.
No matter how you choose to serve Million Dollar Spaghetti, one thing’s certain: everyone around the table will love it! With so many delicious possibilities available, why not get creative in the kitchen and make every plate of pasta special?
Storing And Reheating Instructions
With plenty of leftovers to go around, you may be wondering how best to store and reheat Million Dollar Spaghetti for another delicious meal. Luckily, it’s easier than you might think! To ensure your pasta is kept at its very best, follow these simple instructions.
First off, let the spaghetti cool before storing in an airtight container or covered dish. If stored correctly, the noodles will last a few days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve again, simply place the desired amount in a saucepan with some butter or olive oil over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, if you have access to a microwave-safe container, this method can also work – just make sure to stir occasionally while microwaving so that everything heats up evenly.
Whichever way works best for you and your family, both methods are sure to deliver mouthwatering results every time! So don’t hesitate – experiment with different recipes and explore all the possibilities that Million Dollar Spaghetti has to offer. With proper storage and reheating techniques, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy this classic Italian dish many times over. In terms of nutrition information however, it pays to keep track of what goes into each serving…
Nutrition Information
When it comes to meal planning, having an understanding of the nutrition information for Million Dollar Spaghetti is essential. The good news is that with just a few ingredients, this classic Italian dish can be surprisingly nutritious! Here’s what you need to know about the key nutrients found in each serving.
First and foremost, million dollar spaghetti contains a significant amount of protein thanks to its ground beef or turkey base. In addition to providing energy, dietary protein helps support healthy body functions such as repair and growth of muscles and tissues. It also contains generous amounts of carbohydrates from pasta which provide short-term energy needed for physical activity.
The nutrient content doesn’t stop there – million dollar spaghetti also provides beneficial vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A and calcium which are both important for overall health. Furthermore, it’s relatively low in fat which means it won’t undo all your hard work at the gym! All in all, this delicious dish is sure to become one of your go-to dinner options when looking to add more variety into your diet.
With plenty of flavor while still being packed full of nutritional value, Million Dollar Spaghetti has something for everyone – now let’s take a look at some common questions surrounding how best to prepare this savory favorite…
Common Questions
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make and packed full of flavor, but there are still some common questions surrounding the best way to prepare it. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, let’s take a look at how best to bring this meal together from start to finish:
First up, what type of ground beef or turkey should you use for Million Dollar Spaghetti? For optimal taste, opt for leaner cuts such as sirloin or round which will help keep your fat intake down while still providing plenty of protein. If you prefer poultry instead, then choose boneless skinless breasts or thighs – both work great!
Second, when it comes to pasta shape selection for million dollar spaghetti, the options are truly endless! To get creative with your presentation, try using tubular shapes like rigatoni and penne – they’ll catch all those delicious sauces beautifully. On the other hand, if speed is more important than aesthetics then stick with traditional long strands such as spaghetti or linguine.
Thirdly, always remember to season your sauce before adding any cheese – this helps boost its flavor profile without needing much additional effort on your part. In addition to salt and pepper, consider sprinkling in some garlic powder and oregano for extra depth of flavor. Finally – don’t forget about portion control; aim for approximately one cup per person (or two cups if serving multiple people).
In summing up our discussion regarding recipe preparation for Million Dollar Spaghetti: select lean meats like sirloin or chicken breast/thighs; go wild with different pasta shapes; season generously before adding cheese; and be mindful of portion size. With these simple tips in mind you can now create mouth-watering dishes sure to please even the pickiest eater!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti?
The million-dollar question is: How long does it take to make Million Dollar Spaghetti? Despite the anticipation of a lengthy cooking duration, you’ll be delighted to know that this dish can be prepared in no time at all! In fact, with the right ingredients and some basic culinary skills, you will have a delicious meal on your table within minutes.
When it comes to making this delectable recipe, there are four simple steps that need to be followed:
1) Boil water for the spaghetti noodles;
2) Cook the noodles according to package instructions;
3) Heat up sauce in a large saucepan;
4) Combine cooked noodles with heated sauce and serve.
Thanks to these easy directions, you won’t have to invest too much spaghetti-time into preparing this million dollar dish. Plus, even novice cooks can whip up something special without having any prior experience. So why not get creative in the kitchen and give this tasty recipe a try? You’ll never regret spending just a few minutes creating an unforgettable masterpiece!
Are There Any Vegetarian Or Vegan Variations Of This Dish?
Are there any vegetarian or vegan variations of a dish? It’s an important question to ask when planning meals, especially if you are catering for a range of dietary needs. Although the million-dollar spaghetti recipe is traditionally made with beef mince and cheese, it can be adapted to make delicious options that vegans and vegetarians can enjoy too.
Replacing animal products such as meat and dairy with plant-based alternatives is becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental benefits and health advantages. For instance, swapping out the ground beef in this recipe with crumbled tofu will create a tasty vegan meal while still keeping all the flavor from the original version. It is also possible to use nut cheeses as substitutes for regular cheese, which adds an extra layer of nutrition without compromising on taste.
Making adjustments like these allows everyone – regardless of their dietary requirements – to enjoy this classic Italian dinner dish. With just a few swaps here and there, you can bring everyone around the table together over some truly delicious food that satisfies everyone’s cravings!
What Is The Best Type Of Cheese To Use?
If you’re looking to make the perfect million dollar spaghetti recipe, choosing the right type of cheese is key. Mozzarella, parmesan and ricotta are all popular choices that can really elevate this dish. But which one should you go for?
Mozzarella cheese has a mild flavor and soft texture, making it an ideal melting cheese. The subtle taste won’t overpower your other ingredients but will still give your pasta dish a creamy consistency. Parmesan cheese also adds creaminess to the meal and its salty taste gives it a unique umami flavor that’s hard to find in any other cheese. Ricotta brings a slightly tangy element to the mix while also providing richness and depth of flavor – plus it helps bind everything together!
So which one do you choose? All three cheeses offer something different when used in million dollar spaghetti recipes, so why not use them all? You could top off with some mozzarella for the melt factor before adding grated parmesan on top for extra saltiness – or even sprinkle some ricotta throughout for zingy bites. Ultimately, using multiple kinds of cheese creates delicious layers of flavour that no single kind alone can provide. Experiment until you find what works best for your own version of this classic Italian dish!
Can The Dish Be Frozen And Reheated Later?
Have you ever wanted to make the million dollar spaghetti recipe and have it for multiple meals? Well, if so, then there is a way! Freezing and reheating this dish could be just what you need.
The great thing about freezing and reheating dishes like this one is that they don’t lose their flavor or texture. The ingredients of the million dollar recipe combine together perfectly when frozen, making them ready to go whenever needed. Plus, they can still retain all the deliciousness once reheated in the oven or microwave.
In addition, having already cooked food waiting in your freezer means more time saved during busy days. All you have to do is take out what you need from the freezer and heat it up quickly – no extra effort required! So why not put those leftovers to good use by storing them correctly and using them later on? It’s a win-win situation since you’ll get to enjoy an amazing meal without spending too much time preparing it over again.
Is This Dish Suitable For A Large Group Or Dinner Party?
This dish is perfect for a large gathering or dinner party. It’s suitable to serve a large group, and can easily be made in big batches. Whether you’re hosting an important family event or having friends over, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
It has all of the elements that make it an ideal meal for anyone looking to feed a lot of people: firstly, it’s easy to make and requires minimal prep time; secondly, it can be served as both an entrée or side dish; thirdly, it comes with great flavor and texture – something that will ensure every guest leaves satisfied.
The million dollar spaghetti recipe also offers flexibility when serving your guests. You can customize the size of portions depending on how many guests are attending your dinner party. Or if you have leftovers from one night, you can simply freeze them for later use – making it a convenient food option for any type of event.
No matter what kind of get-together you’re planning, this delicious pasta dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, this million dollar spaghetti recipe is worth every penny. It’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd or just yourself. The rich flavors come together perfectly with creamy cheese and savory sauce – it’s truly an unforgettable dining experience.
It doesn’t take long to whip up either, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can always adjust the ingredients if you need it to be vegetarian-friendly or vegan-approved.
The best part? You can freeze any leftovers for later so that all your hard work isn’t going to waste – no one wants their effort (and money) wasted! So I encourage everyone who has been hesitant about making this dish: give it a try! Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting dinner party, you won’t regret trying out this million dollar spaghetti recipe.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Course: PastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes25
minutes544
kcalIngredients
1 lb 1 ground beef
1 lb 1 Italian sausage
1 1 (32 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti noodles
2 cup 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1/2 cup 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Drain off any fat and add spaghetti sauce to the meat mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
