The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory pasta wafts through the air, making your stomach growl louder than a lion at feeding time. Welcome to the world of million dollar spaghetti casserole, where comfort food meets gourmet delight! This dish is a deliciously cheesy, meaty hug on a plate that you’ll want to dive into headfirst.
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 is million dollar spaghetti casserole?
- How do I store leftover million dollar spaghetti casserole?
- Can I customize the ingredients in million dollar spaghetti casserole?
- How long does it take to prepare million dollar spaghetti casserole?
- Conclusion for million dollar spaghetti casserole :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine gathering around the dinner table with friends and family, laughter echoing off the walls as you serve up this hearty casserole. It’s perfect for game nights, potlucks, or any occasion when you want to impress without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll be counting down the days until your next serving.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This million dollar spaghetti casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
- Its rich flavor profile combines layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat that everyone will adore.
- The vibrant colors from fresh ingredients make it visually appealing on any table setting.
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it’s great for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients for million dollar spaghetti casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti: Use regular or whole wheat spaghetti; both work well to soak up that scrumptious sauce.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep things flavorful without too much grease. For more inspiration, check out this flavorful chicken burrito bowls recipe.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred marinara sauce or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and a delightful texture that makes each bite irresistible.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooier, the better! Mozzarella will melt beautifully and create that lovely cheese pull.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that enhances all the flavors in this dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian flair right to your kitchen.
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). This ensures even cooking and that golden-brown top we all crave.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you work on the meat mixture.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, browned beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until everything is perfectly coated with sauce.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Layer with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top followed by more mozzarella cheese for that gooey finish!
Step 6: Bake Away
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Transfer to plates and enjoy this decadent meal with your loved ones! Serve it warm with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete feast.
This million dollar spaghetti casserole will not only satisfy your taste buds but also leave your guests begging for seconds! So roll up those sleeves and get ready for some serious culinary magic in your kitchen!
You Must Know
- This million dollar spaghetti casserole is not just a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece that transforms your kitchen into a five-star restaurant.
- Rich in flavor and texture, it dazzles the dinner table and makes weeknight meals feel like celebrations.
- Perfect for family dinners and easy enough for busy weeknights!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet to develop flavor. As it cooks, boil the pasta until al dente, then prepare your sauce. Combine everything in a baking dish, layer with cheese, and bake to bubbling perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can spice things up if you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring gooey cheese perfection without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamy texture, mix ricotta cheese into the layers before baking.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be firm since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Don’t skip the cheese topping; it’s the secret to that irresistible golden crust!
Sometimes I serve this million dollar spaghetti casserole at my potlucks, and it’s always gone before I can grab a second helping. The compliments roll in, making me feel like a culinary rockstar!
FAQs :
What is million dollar spaghetti casserole?
Million dollar spaghetti casserole is a delicious baked dish that combines all the classic flavors of spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy twist. This hearty meal typically includes layers of cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, cream cheese, and a blend of cheeses. It’s an easy dish to prepare, making it a favorite for family dinners and potlucks. The name suggests that it’s a luxurious meal on a budget, perfect for satisfying cravings without breaking the bank.
How do I store leftover million dollar spaghetti casserole?
To store leftover million dollar spaghetti casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I customize the ingredients in million dollar spaghetti casserole?
Absolutely! One of the best features of million dollar spaghetti casserole is its versatility. You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition or mix in cooked ground beef or sausage for added protein. vegetarian main dishes For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or mushrooms as a meat substitute. Additionally, experiment with different cheeses or sauces according to your taste preferences. This recipe is open to creative adaptations!
How long does it take to prepare million dollar spaghetti casserole?
Preparing million dollar spaghetti casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 30-40 minutes of baking time. The total time from start to finish is roughly one hour. If you want to save even more time, consider cooking your spaghetti ahead of time or using leftover pasta from another meal. Once everything is combined and layered in a baking dish, simply pop it in the oven and relax while it cooks.
Conclusion for million dollar spaghetti casserole :
In summary, million dollar spaghetti casserole is a rich and satisfying dish that brings comfort food to new heights. With layers of pasta, flavorful marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. This recipe allows for customization based on your preferences and dietary needs while being simple enough for any home cook to master. creamy pasta dishes Whether you’re serving it for dinner or sharing at gatherings, this casserole is bound to impress with its taste and ease of preparation! For more inspiration, check out this creamy scalloped potatoes recipe recipe.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory ground beef, and creamy cheeses baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, filling the room with its mouthwatering aroma and satisfying flavors. With easy preparation and rich taste, it’s sure to become a beloved staple at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread half the mixture in a greased baking dish, layer with half the mozzarella cheese, add remaining spaghetti mixture, and top with more mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
