Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious, budget-friendly meal that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This hearty and comforting dish is a twist on traditional spaghetti that is sure to become a favorite in your household. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and a touch of Italian seasoning, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party, need a dish to bring to a potluck, or simply want to enjoy a cozy meal at home, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with this rich and flavorful Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Let’s explore the ingredients you need to create this culinary masterpiece.
Keep in mind that you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences by adding or substituting ingredients. Now, let’s gather the essential components for making this delectable dish.
Ingredients
To make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta Layer:
– 1 pound of spaghetti noodles
– 1/2 cup of butter, melted
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1/2 cup of chopped onion
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
– 1 container (16 ounces) of ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup of sour cream
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble and bake your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
1. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and toss them with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the entire cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the casserole for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
While the classic Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd favorite, you can get creative with variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to customize this dish:
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or plant-based crumbles for a meatless version of this casserole.
Spicy Twist:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
Extra Cheesy:
Layer slices of provolone or cheddar cheese between the pasta and meat sauce for an even cheesier casserole experience.
Healthy Swap:
Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti noodles, lean ground turkey, and low-fat dairy products to create a lighter version of this indulgent dish.
Tips
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
Make-Ahead:
This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if the dish is cold from the fridge.
Freezing:
You can freeze leftover portions of the casserole in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Family Favorite:
This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. Get the little ones involved in the kitchen by helping with the layering process—it’s a fun and easy way to bond over cooking.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that tastes like a million bucks—without breaking the bank. Serve up a slice of this indulgent casserole and savor the flavors of homemade comfort food at its finest.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
A: While spaghetti noodles work best for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine for a unique twist.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven until warmed through.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ..
A rich and flavorful casserole with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, topped with Italian seasoning. Perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
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1 pound spaghetti noodles
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1/2 cup butter, melted
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 pound ground beef
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1/2 cup chopped onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
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1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 container (16 ounces) ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 egg
Directions
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Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic in a skillet. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes.
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Combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Layer ingredients in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Let the casserole cool before serving. Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
