Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
   Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Shift the rack up to the top third of the oven, giving your dish the perfect spot to get nice and bubbly later on.

2. Step 2: Blend the Cheese Layer
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the cheese layer ingredients. Stir them together until they form a smooth, creamy blend. This cheesy goodness will bring a delightful richness to your dish, so set it aside for now.

3. Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
   Get a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook it just a couple of minutes shy of what the package suggests. Once it's ready, drain the noodles and return them to the pot, letting them hang out for the next step.

4. Step 4: Brown the Sausage and Onion
   In a skillet, add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook them over medium-high heat, breaking apart the sausage as it browns. This will take about 10 minutes until everything is cooked through and golden.

5. Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
   Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes into your skillet, letting them mingle with the sausage mixture for about a minute. This brief sizzle will release their flavors. Carefully spoon out any excess fat that has collected in your pan.

6. Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Transfer the sausage mixture to the pot with your spaghetti, then pour in both jars of marinara sauce. Toss everything until the spaghetti is well-coated, ensuring each strand gets a delicious saucy covering.

7. Step 7: Begin Layering the Dish
   Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9x13 baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. This will be the foundation for the cheesy center.

8. Step 8: Spread the Cheese Layer
   Dollop the cheese mixture over the pasta, and gently spread it out to cover the layer completely. This will create that signature creamy middle layer your taste buds will adore.

9. Step 9: Add Final Layers
   Top with the remaining pasta and sauce. Spread it out evenly just as before, ensuring full coverage. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top for that golden finish.

10. Step 10: Bake the Casserole
    Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let the cheese broil for a few minutes, watching closely as it turns bubbly and beautifully browned.

11. Step 11: Rest and Serve
    Once out of the oven, allow your masterpiece to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set up a bit. Slice it up with a spatula, serving up pieces of this warm, cheesy delight. Season with a touch of salt and pepper if you think it needs a bit more zing. Enjoy!

Notes

Cooking Million Dollar Spaghetti can feel like walking a gourmet tightrope, but avoiding a few common pitfalls keeps you balanced. First up, overcooking the spaghetti. It’s tempting to let it boil, but remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Al dente is your friend!

Then there's the cheese layer. Sometimes it gets forgotten, leading to a less creamy experience. Ensure it's smooth and evenly spread to capture that signature richness.

Another classic slip-up is under-seasoning. Italian sausage can vary in spice, so give your dish a taste before it hits the oven. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate flavors to new heights.

Lastly, rushing the resting period. Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes lets the layers settle, making it easier to cut and serve. Embrace the wait—it’s worth it!

Keywords: Million Dollar Pasta Recipe, Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish, Million Dollar Noodle Recipe, Million Dollar Spaghetti Dinner, Million Dollar Pasta Meal