If you’re a pasta enthusiast looking for a mouthwatering and indulgent dish to satisfy your cravings, look no further than the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This delectable recipe combines layers of flavorful ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds singing.
From the rich Italian sausage to the creamy cheeses and tangy spaghetti sauce, every bite of this casserole is a culinary delight. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or planning a special gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Who is this Recipe For?
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is perfect for anyone who appreciates the comforting goodness of Italian cuisine. This dish appeals to pasta lovers, cheese enthusiasts, and those who crave a hearty and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, or friends, or hosting a potluck, this casserole is sure to please a crowd. Its versatility allows you to easily customize it to suit different dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for gatherings with varied tastes.
Why It’s Great
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and onions creates a savory foundation for this casserole. The blend of cheeses—cottage cheese or ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella—brings a creamy and gooey texture that perfectly complements the pasta.
Easy to Make: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is approachable even for novice cooks. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
Feeds a Crowd: This casserole yields generous portions, making it ideal for large gatherings or family dinners. It can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of guests, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Leftovers for Days: The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole tastes even better the next day, allowing you to enjoy it as leftovers. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready for round two, reheat it in the oven for a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To bring this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole to life, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining the pasta
- Large skillet for cooking the sausage
- Mixing bowl for combining the cheese mixture
- A 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling and baking the casserole
Recipe Variations and Swaps
The beauty of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole lies in its versatility. Here are a few variations and ingredient swaps you can consider:
- Meatless Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Ground Beef Alternative: Swap out the sweet Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey if you prefer a milder taste.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños into the sausage and onion mixture.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese combinations to customize the flavor. Try adding Parmesan or cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy twist.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried spaghetti noodles
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ pounds sweet Italian sausage casing removed
- 3 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning divided
- 48 ounces spaghetti sauce 2 jars, divided
- 8 ounces cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 cups mozzarella shredded, divided
- ½ cup butter cut into slices, divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package, drain well and return pasta to original pot. Add 1 jar of prepared spaghetti sauce and combine. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add sausage and 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning to skillet, and cook until no pink remains. Drain well. Add 1 jar of spaghetti sauce to skillet. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Set aside.
Place half the slices of butter in a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half the spaghetti in dish, then spread cheese mixture evenly over spaghetti.
Spread the remaining spaghetti over cheese mixture. Top with the remaining butter slices.Pour tomato meat sauce evenly over top layer of spaghetti.
Top with remaining mozzarella and bake in preheated oven until casserole is heated through, about 35-45 minutes.