Million Dollar Spaghetti

Instructions

Start by cooking the spaghetti. Boil 2 quarts of water and then cook the spaghetti based on package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta water and save it for later.

Place the spaghetti in a large bowl and add half of the butter quickly while the noodles are hot. Toss until the spaghetti is completely coated with butter. Set aside.

Cook the sauce by heating a cooking pot and adding the ground beef. Cook the beef using high heat setting until the fat gets rendered (note: the rendered fat becomes the oil).

Scoop the oil out of the pot and then add the ground Italian sausage. Sauté for 3 minutes.

Add the minced onion and garlic. Continue to sauté for 2 to 3 minutes more.

Pour the spaghetti sauce into the pot. Also add ¾ cup of pasta water. Let the mixture boil. Once boiling, adjust the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes (or until the sauce thickens) while stirring occasionally. Season with dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Set aside.

Combine all the cheese mixture ingredients in a bowl. Fold until well blended. Set aside.

Preheat your oven to 350 F.

Meanwhile, assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti by placing half of the spaghetti in a baking tray. Level it and make sure that the entire surface of the baking tray is covered.

Top with the cheese mixture and spread it out evenly.

Arrange the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture and distribute it evenly.

Add the remaining butter and pour the meat sauce over it. Spread the sauce ensuring that the spaghetti is completely covered.

Sprinkle and distribute the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Bake for 25 to 35 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let it cool down for 10 minutes.

Serve with garlic bread. Share and enjoy!

Main Course