Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: *million dollar spaghetti casserole*! This dish has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. There’s just something about the layers of cheesy goodness, hearty meat sauce, and tender spaghetti that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I can still picture my mom pulling it out of the oven on chilly evenings, the aroma wafting through the house and making us all rush to the dinner table. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cherished memory! Trust me, once you dig into this casserole, you’ll understand why it’s worth its weight in gold. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how it brings everyone together, making mealtime feel extra special!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a hearty and delicious dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for the best cooking experience!
How to Prepare *Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole*
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when we’re ready to bake. While that’s heating up, go ahead and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. I usually add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for flavor. Once it’s al dente, drain it well and set it aside for later. This step is crucial because it sets the base for our delicious layers!
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Now, onto the star of the show: the meat sauce! In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Make sure to drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole! Once the beef is browned, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This is where the magic happens; let the flavors combine for a few minutes, and trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl along with the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix it all up until the pasta is well-coated. Now, grab your greased casserole dish and start layering! First, spoon half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish, then top it with half of the meat sauce. Repeat this process with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce, finishing off with a generous sprinkle of the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. It’s looking scrumptious already!
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Pop that beautiful casserole into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. Ooh, the anticipation! Once it’s out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool down—this will make serving a lot easier and prevent cheesy lava from spilling everywhere. Then, dish it out and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor in every bite! Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!
Tips for Success
To make your *million dollar spaghetti casserole* absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the meat sauce—allowing it to simmer for a bit really enhances the flavors. If you want to sneak in some veggies, chopped spinach or mushrooms mix beautifully with the meat sauce without overpowering it. Also, consider using a mix of cheeses; adding a bit of provolone or even some pepper jack can kick up the flavor a notch! If you’ve got leftover sauce or pasta, feel free to layer them in—this dish is super forgiving! Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps everything set up nicely, making for easier serving. Trust me, these little tweaks can take your casserole from great to absolutely amazing!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this *million dollar spaghetti casserole* can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to give you the most accurate estimates, it’s always a good idea to double-check the labels on your products. So, keep in mind that these numbers are just a guideline to help you enjoy this delicious meal without any surprises!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the *million dollar spaghetti casserole*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- What can I add to the casserole for extra flavor? Feel free to get creative! Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. It’s perfect for a quick meal later on!
- How do I reheat the casserole? To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
These tips should help you make the most out of your delicious *million dollar spaghetti casserole*! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can have this delicious meal on the table in about 45 minutes!
- Hearty and filling: It’s the kind of dish that satisfies even the hungriest of eaters.
- Great for leftovers: Trust me, it tastes even better the next day!
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, comforting flavors.
- Versatile with ingredients: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese!
This casserole truly checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve savored your *million dollar spaghetti casserole*, storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to label it so you know what’s inside. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your *million dollar spaghetti casserole*, a simple side salad is the perfect match! I love tossing together fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a burst of flavor. A warm, crusty garlic bread on the side adds that extra comfort we all crave. You could also serve it with steamed veggies for a pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and delicious million dollar spaghetti casserole that combines layers of pasta, cheese, and a flavorful meat sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef; stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then half of the meat sauce.
- Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
- Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: million dollar spaghetti casserole, pasta casserole, Italian casserole
