Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: million dollar spaghetti casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day—so hearty and satisfying! I love how easy it is to prepare; honestly, you can whip it up in no time, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering. Everyone went back for seconds, and I felt like a kitchen rockstar! The layers of cheesy goodness and rich meat sauce come together beautifully, and the aroma while it bakes? Wow! It’s simply irresistible, and trust me, it’ll be a hit at your next gathering too!

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious million dollar spaghetti casserole. You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, which brings that hearty flavor to the dish. Don’t forget 1 onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic for that aromatic base. The sauce comes from 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, along with 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce and 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste to really amp up the richness. For seasoning, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning adds a lovely herbal note. You’ll also need 8 ounces of cooked spaghetti, 2 cups of creamy ricotta cheese, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to create those gooey layers. Finally, I like to sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for that golden finish. Trust me, these measurements matter, so stick to them for the best results!

How to Prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Preparing this million dollar spaghetti casserole is as enjoyable as eating it! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a skillet and brown 1 pound of ground beef along with your chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, and your kitchen will smell heavenly! Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Let that simmer for about 10 minutes; this is where the flavors really deepen.

Now, in a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with 2 cups of creamy ricotta cheese until well mixed. In a greased baking dish, layer half of this spaghetti mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Finally, top it all off with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden. And remember, let it cool for about 5 minutes before diving in—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld those flavors together.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with 2 cups of ricotta cheese until everything is well-combined.
5. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
9. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set nicely.

Nutritional Information for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a ballpark. For each serving (which is about one slice), you’re looking at approximately 400 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein. It also packs around 45 grams of carbohydrates, along with 3 grams of fiber. And don’t forget about the sodium, which is about 800 milligrams per serving. So, while this dish is indulgent, it’s good to know what’s going into your delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious layers of flavors that everyone will rave about.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for family gatherings or potlucks!
• Can be made ahead and stored, so you can enjoy it later.
• Rich, cheesy goodness that satisfies even the hungriest of appetites.

Tips for Success with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

To make sure your million dollar spaghetti casserole turns out perfect every time, here are my go-to tips! First, don’t skip the simmering step—it really helps the flavors meld together beautifully. If your sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Also, feel free to customize! You can swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option. And if you love veggies, try adding spinach or bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrition. Lastly, let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps the layers hold together better when you cut into it!

Variations of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

One of the best things about this million dollar spaghetti casserole is how versatile it is! If you want to switch things up, try adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost. You can also mix in different cheeses—how about a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a twist? For added flavor, consider sprinkling in some red pepper flakes or Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Feeling adventurous? Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or a plant-based meat substitute, and enjoy a whole new flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Storing leftovers of your million dollar spaghetti casserole is super easy! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just be careful not to overheat, or it may dry out!

Share Your Experience

I’d love to hear about your adventures with this million dollar spaghetti casserole! Have you made any fun tweaks or added your favorite ingredients? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts, tips, and any delicious stories you have. Let’s inspire each other to create even more amazing meals!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
• Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Vegetarisch

Drucken-Rezept

Pin-Rezept

Beschreibung

A delicious and hearty spaghetti casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Anweisungen

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with ricotta cheese.
5. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased baking dish.
6. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
7. Add half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
9. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• Freezes well for later use.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
• Kategorie: Main Course
• Methode: Baking
• Küche: Italian

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 slice
• Kalorien: 400
• Zucker: 6g
• Natrium: 800mg
• Fett: 20g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 45g
• Faser: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterin: 50mg

Keywords: million dollar spaghetti casserole, spaghetti casserole, Italian casserole