Introduction: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and cheesy baked pasta dish that is comfort food at its finest. This casserole is packed with layers of savory marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, making it a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and works great for meal prep. With the name “Million Dollar,” you can be sure it’s a delicious and indulgent treat!
Ingredients:
1 lb spaghetti
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth.
Assemble casserole: Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sauce mixture. Then, spread half of the cheese mixture over the sauce. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese mixture.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Description:
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a mouthwatering, cheesy, and comforting dish with layers of tender spaghetti, a hearty meat sauce, and a rich, creamy cheese filling. The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and cream cheese creates a velvety texture, while the tangy marinara sauce balances everything perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy nights or family gatherings.
Tips:
For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for some heat.
Make it ahead: You can prepare this casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge).
Use lean meat: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Check the cheese: Make sure to use a good quality mozzarella for a creamy melt. Fresh mozzarella works well, but shredded mozzarella is also great for convenience.
Variations:
Vegetarian version: Skip the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed casserole.
Add spinach: Add some spinach to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Make it spicy: Mix in some spicy Italian sausage or a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to add heat to the dish.
Correction:
Don’t overcook the spaghetti: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. If you overcook it initially, it may become mushy during baking.
Prevent sogginess: If the casserole seems too runny, be sure the sauce isn’t too watery before layering. You can reduce the sauce on the stove if needed.
Enjoy:
Now that your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is ready, serve up a hearty portion and enjoy! This rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.