Description
Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a hearty, cheesy casserole that layers tender spaghetti with a savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and spicy pepperoni. This comforting baked pasta dish combines ground beef and Italian sausage with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning for a rich, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 32 ounces marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- Salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti until al dente following the package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it with the room temperature butter to coat evenly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: While pasta cooks, heat a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground spicy Italian sausage, ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and vegetables softened, about 10 minutes. Add marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes), 1 cup water, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and remove from heat. Add fresh basil now or use it as garnish later.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, layer 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Add the buttered spaghetti on top of the sauce, followed by the cheese mixture spread evenly over the pasta. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the assembled casserole. Top with sliced pepperoni. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy the rich, cheesy, and flavorful baked spaghetti!
Notes
- For milder flavor, substitute spicy Italian sausage with sweet Italian sausage or omit chili flakes.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but be mindful it might release more moisture.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Ensure pasta is well drained and tossed with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
