Who doesn’t love a hearty plate of spaghetti? The Million Dollar Spaghetti is a true comfort food classic, combining the richness of a baked spaghetti casserole with the decadence of cheese, creamy sauce, and a flavorful ground turkey mix. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful combination of flavors. Read on to discover everything you need to know about preparing this irresistible dish, from essential ingredients to serving tips. Ready to make your dinner unforgettable? Let's dive in!
What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is an indulgent, layered pasta bake that brings together the best of both worlds: classic spaghetti and cheesy baked casseroles. It’s called Million Dollar Spaghetti because it’s packed with a rich and flavorful blend of ingredients, making it taste like a million bucks! The dish features spaghetti noodles, a creamy cheese layer, savory ground turkey, and marinara sauce, all baked to perfection with melted cheddar and mozzarella on top.
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti
To make this unforgettable dish, you'll need a list of ingredients that bring bold flavors and comforting textures to your meal. Here’s what you need:
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti: The base of the dish.
- 28 oz marinara sauce: A store-bought or homemade sauce works great.
- ½ a green pepper, chopped: Adds a bit of crunch and freshness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: For a flavorful aromatic base.
- 12 garlic cloves, chopped & divided: This ensures layers of garlicky goodness.
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Tony’s Creole seasoning, divided: Adds a bold, zesty kick.
- 2 teaspoon onion powder & garlic powder, divided: Enhances the savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning & smoked paprika: For depth and a hint of smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential to bring out the flavors.
Meat and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean protein option that pairs beautifully with the spices and sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and a sharp cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives the classic stretchy cheese pull.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty umami goodness.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoon butter: For the rich, creamy base.
- 2.5 cups heavy cream: Creates a velvety texture for the creamy cheese layer.
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Dried parsley flakes for garnish: A pop of color and added freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to customize your Million Dollar Spaghetti, there are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try without compromising the dish’s flavor.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground turkey for a richer, meatier flavor. You can even use a combination of the two for more complexity.
- Greek yogurt or cream cheese can replace heavy cream for a lighter or tangier cream sauce.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works as a substitute for regular spaghetti if you’re looking for a healthier or allergy-friendly option.
- Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to pack in extra nutrients.
- Spice it up by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinara sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Switch up the cheeses by incorporating other favorites like Gouda, provolone, or even ricotta for a creamier middle layer.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti from start to finish.
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks during baking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 1 lb of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3. Prepare the Ground Turkey Mix
- Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and half of the chopped garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey, and season with 1 tablespoon Tony’s Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Slowly whisk in 2.5 cups of heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and season with 1 teaspoon Tony’s Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Cook until smooth and creamy.
5. Layer the Dish
- In your greased baking dish, spread a layer of spaghetti, then pour half of the creamy cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
- Add the ground turkey and marinara sauce mixture on top.
- Add another layer of spaghetti and pour the remaining cream mixture over it.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Once out of the oven, let the Million Dollar Spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley flakes for a pop of color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overcooking the spaghetti: Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Skipping seasoning: Properly seasoning each layer is key to a flavorful dish. Don’t skimp on the spices!
- Not letting it rest: Allowing the baked spaghetti to rest for at least 5-10 minutes helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and filling dish, so you don’t need much to go alongside it. However, here are some great ideas to round out your meal:
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti:
- Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Add a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for some extra comfort.
- A glass of red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti:
- Use a large serving spoon to scoop out portions of the spaghetti, showing off the layers of pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan for a touch of elegance.
- Serve on warm plates to keep the dish hot and inviting.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you make the best Million Dollar Spaghetti:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. This is perfect for busy nights or when you’re hosting guests.
- Double the recipe: This dish freezes well. You can easily double the recipe and freeze one casserole for later.
- Customizable layers: Feel free to add a layer of ricotta cheese between the pasta and sauce layers for an even creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well can work as a substitute.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply omit the ground turkey and replace it with a vegetable mix or a plant-based meat alternative.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors, cheesy goodness, and creamy textures. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or put your own twist on it, you’re guaranteed a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to cook like a million bucks? Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a slice of comfort on your plate!
PrintMillion Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish with layers of ground turkey, creamy cheeses, and marinara sauce, seasoned to perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 12 garlic cloves, chopped (divided)
- ½ green pepper, chopped
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp + 1 teaspoon Tony’s Creole seasoning (divided)
- 2 tsp onion powder & garlic powder (divided)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook spaghetti as per package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil, then sauté onion, green pepper, and half of the garlic until soft.
- Add ground turkey, Tony’s Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
- In a separate pan, heat remaining olive oil and garlic, then stir in butter, heavy cream, and remaining seasonings. Mix in parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, then half of the turkey mixture. Pour half of the cream sauce over, then repeat layers.
- Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Garnish with parsley flakes and serve.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the cheese types according to preference for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1350mg
Leave a Reply