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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

This rich and indulgent spaghetti casserole features layers of savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese filling, and marinara sauce. Topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella, it’s baked to perfection and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Course: Pasta Casserole
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage see note
  • 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 24-ounce jars marinara sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the cheese layer, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the Italian sausage and onion, breaking up the sausage as it cooks. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another minute. Remove any excess fat from the pan.
  • Transfer the sausage mixture to the pot with the cooked spaghetti. Stir in the marinara sauce, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture in an even layer at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly layer the prepared cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
  • Top the cheese layer with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, include the red pepper flakes in the sauce mixture.
  • Leftovers are flavorful and reheatable; the extra sauce ensures the dish doesn’t dry out.