Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s guaranteed to please a crowd, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This recipe takes all the goodness of a classic spaghetti dinner and elevates it to new heights with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, seasoned meat, and layers of pasta baked to perfection. Trust me, this is one of those dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Cheesy Goodness: The creamy, cheesy filling is truly the star of this dish. With layers of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, it’s like biting into a cheesy dream!
• Family-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep this casserole the night before, and just pop it in the oven the next day for an easy, no-stress meal.
• Versatile: It’s perfect on its own, but you can customize it with your favorite add-ins like extra veggies, sausage, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Ingredients

For Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll need:

• Spaghetti: The base of this casserole. Use your favorite brand of pasta!
• Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and flavor to the casserole. You could also use ground turkey or Italian sausage if you prefer.
• Marinara Sauce: For that classic spaghetti flavor. Use store-bought or homemade, depending on what you like.
• Cream Cheese: Gives the casserole its signature creamy richness.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and texture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top for a cheesy, gooey finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A must for that salty, nutty flavor sprinkled throughout the dish.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For seasoning the sauce and ground beef.
• Italian Seasoning: Gives the dish that Italian flavor we all love.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the meat and keeping things moist.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Make the Sauce
Add the marinara sauce to the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.

5. Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom. Top with half of the beef and marinara mixture, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers—spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture—until everything is used up.

6. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Let It Cool
Once the casserole is done baking, let it sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving.

9. Serve & Enjoy
Scoop out a generous portion of the casserole and serve with your favorite side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy this cheesy, savory comfort food!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 540
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 960mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 30g

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy and flavorful side.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, like a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, will complement the cheesy, savory flavors of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day as directed!
• Freeze Leftovers: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
• Add Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in some veggies, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or skip it altogether and use extra veggies or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar or provolone if that’s what you prefer.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble it the night before and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Yes, this casserole freezes really well. Just store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap it in foil for up to 3 months.

Q5: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A5: Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A6: Yes! You can swap out spaghetti for other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.

Q7: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A7: Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce will work just as well, and it’ll add a lovely personal touch.

Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
A8: To reheat, just cover the casserole with foil and warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout.

Q9: Can I add extra cheese?
A9: Yes, extra cheese is always a good idea! You can add more mozzarella, Parmesan, or even some provolone for an extra cheesy experience.

Q10: Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?
A10: You can adjust the recipe to fit a smaller dish. Just make sure the layers are thick enough for the casserole to cook evenly.

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Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its layers of cheesy goodness, flavorful meat sauce, and hearty pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone around the table. Easy to make and even easier to love, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just when you need a big helping of comfort food. Enjoy!

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