Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is what happens when your favorite spaghetti dinner decides to wear a tuxedo and show up at a fancy party. Imagine layers of luscious pasta, creamy cheeses, and a rich, meaty sauce all mingling together in a warm embrace. It’s like a hug for your stomach, but don’t worry; it won’t squeeze too tight! This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights when you want something that feels like a warm blanket around your taste buds.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What ingredients are needed for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
- How long does it take to prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
- Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
- Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole suitable for freezing?
- Conclusion for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let’s be honest. There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling out a bubbling casserole from the oven, the aroma wafting through your home like an invitation to feast. The anticipation builds as you slice into this cheesy masterpiece and reveal its hearty goodness. Whether it’s game night or just a regular Tuesday, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is bound to steal the show!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor and cheese, it will satisfy everyone at the table.
- Its vibrant layers create an irresistible visual appeal that makes everyone reach for seconds.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti: Use about 12 ounces of dry spaghetti; it’s the foundation that holds this cheesy wonder together.
- Ground Beef: About one pound will do; choose lean ground beef for less grease but plenty of flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: A jar (about 24 ounces) of your favorite marinara sauce adds that tomatoey goodness we crave in spaghetti.
- Ricotta Cheese: One cup of ricotta brings creaminess and richness to every layer.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: About two cups of mozzarella guarantees that gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grating about half a cup adds depth to the flavor profile; sprinkle generously!
- Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon of this blend infuses all the herbs into the meat sauce for extra oomph.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a trusty baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you work on the meat sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown one pound of ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Seasoning
Pour in the marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning into your browned meat. Let it simmer for about five minutes so those flavors can mingle like old friends at a reunion.
Step 5: Layer Everything Together
In your greased baking dish, start layering! First goes half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the ricotta cheese dolloped on top. Next, add half of your meat sauce and sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over it all. Repeat these layers until everything is used up!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional five minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with some extra marinara if desired for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
There you have it—your guide to making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! Now go forth and impress your family or friends (or yourself) with this delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds—or thirds—before they even know what hit them!
You Must Know
- This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a dish!
- With layers of cheesy goodness and rich flavors, it’s perfect for family feasts or potlucks.
- Plus, it’s as simple as it is delicious, making it a weeknight winner.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente; you want it to hold its shape when baked. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic for maximum flavor. Combine all ingredients, layer them in a casserole dish, and bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even plant-based alternatives if you’re going green. Toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. And don’t forget to sprinkle your favorite cheese on top for that golden crust!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamier texture, mix in ricotta cheese with your sauce before layering.
- Don’t skip browning the meat; it adds depth of flavor.
- Let it rest after baking for better slicing and serving.
Nothing beats that moment when I served this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole at a family gathering and watched everyone go back for seconds—definitely a proud chef moment!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
To make a delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you will need essential ingredients like spaghetti, ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. You can also include garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. This combination creates a rich and creamy dish that everyone will love.
How long does it take to prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Preparing Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Cooking the spaghetti adds another 10-12 minutes. Once you combine all the ingredients and layer them in a casserole dish, bake for approximately 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Overall, you should set aside about an hour from start to finish to enjoy this delightful meal with your family.
Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve it, simply preheat your oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. After baking, let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot throughout.
Conclusion for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
In summary, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is an easy-to-make dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. Preparing this casserole takes minimal time and effort while delivering a comforting meal that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you choose to make it ahead of time or freeze leftovers for future meals, this recipe is versatile and delicious. Give it a try for your next family dinner or gathering!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in a comforting Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, featuring layers of pasta, creamy cheeses, and savory marinara. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the browned meat. Let it simmer for about five minutes.
- In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with half of the ricotta cheese, followed by half of the meat sauce and one cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional five minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing into portions. Drizzle with extra marinara if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
