Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Okay, let's get this show on the road! Ever crave a dish that tastes like you spent hours slaving away? This million dollar spaghetti casserole is your answer.

It is rich and creamy and delivers amazing flavor.

Brief Overview

This comfort food casserole has Italian American roots, perfect for family dinners. It is an easy casserole recipe that takes just under an hour.

This recipe yields 6-8 servings of the best baked spaghetti recipe ever!

Main Benefits

This mozzarella spaghetti bake is packed with protein and satisfying carbs for a well rounded meal. It is perfect for potlucks or easy weeknight dinners.

What makes this dish special is the creamy ricotta layer that elevates the flavor.

Time to Gather the Goods!

Think of me as your friendly neighborhood whisperer, here to make sure your "Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole" recipe gets all the love it deserves online.

No worries, mate! You'll need spaghetti, ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and a few other pantry staples. Don't worry this ground beef spaghetti casserole uses simple ingredients.

Million dollar spaghetti is not really a million dollars!

From My Kitchen to Yours

Honestly, I used to be intimidated by casseroles. But this spaghetti casserole recipe changed everything. It is now a family favorite.

The kids love it. It is so easy to throw together, and everyone raves about it. This pasta bake will bring you so much joy.

Ingredients & Equipment for Million Dollar Flavor

Okay, let's get this show on the road. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood whisperer, here to make sure your million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe gets all the love it deserves online.

No worries, mate!

Ready to whip up this comfort food casserole ? Here's everything you'll need for this easy casserole recipes :

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Spaghetti Stage:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti: Aim for a good quality semolina pasta that cooks up nice and firm. Nobody wants mushy spaghetti.

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil: Extra virgin is my go-to.

• Salt to taste: Don't skimp on the salt! Salt that water like the sea!

Meat Sauce Magic:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef: I usually go for 80/20. You want some fat for flavor. But drain it well after browning, alright? For a ground beef spaghetti casserole , this is the base for great flavour.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white, your call.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced is always best.
• 1 (24 ounce/680g) jar marinara sauce: Quality matters here. Find one you really like. That's how you nail that amazing baked spaghetti recipe !
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your taste. Leave out the red pepper if you're spice averse.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Again, don't be shy.

Ricotta Dream Team:

• 15 ounce (425g) container ricotta cheese: Full fat for maximum creaminess in this spaghetti casserole with ricotta
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, if possible. It melts better and tastes better.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Helps bind everything together.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Season that ricotta mixture!

Million Dollar Topping:

• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture, part skim is your friend. Too much moisture will make your casserole soggy. This is what makes this a true mozzarella spaghetti bake .

Seasoning Notes

Oh my gosh, herbs and spices can make or break this dish!

• Essential spice combinations: Oregano and basil are your Italian go-tos. They add that classic flavor.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Garlic, onion, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling adventurous) are key.
• Quick substitution options: If you're out of oregano, Italian seasoning works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Seriously, nothing fancy here, you know?

• Large pot: For cooking the spaghetti.
• Large skillet: For browning the ground beef.
• 9x13 inch baking dish: A must have for this family dinner casserole
• Mixing bowls: For mixing the ricotta mixture.

Don't have a 9x13 pan? Two smaller ones will work just as well!

Seriously, this million dollar spaghetti casserole is such a crowd pleaser! So many layers and the flavor is undeniably amazing!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: Cooking it Like a Boss

Okay, let's get this show on the road. We're diving headfirst into the world of million dollar spaghetti casserole . Think of me as your friendly neighborhood whisperer, here to make sure your " million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe " gets all the love it deserves online.

Honestly, this easy casserole recipes are my go-to when I need some serious comfort food casserole . No worries, mate! I have had so many different variations of pasta bake .

I hope that it ends up on your rotation.

Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef is really a game changer.

Don’t skimp on the cheese! Shred 2 cups (225g) of mozzarella cheese. This isn’t just any baked spaghetti recipe ; it’s million dollar spaghetti .

Time saving tip? Chop the onion and garlic while the pasta water heats.

Safety reminder: Always use pot holders when handling hot dishes. Seriously, I learned that the hard way.

Cooking the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole : step-by-step

1. Cook 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti according to package directions. Make sure it is al dente . Drain it and toss with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil.
2. Brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. Then, drain any excess grease. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute .
3. Stir in 1 (24 ounce/680g) jar of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer for 10 minutes .
4. In a bowl, combine 15 ounce (425g) of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup (60g) of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. I love using spaghetti casserole with ricotta , it changes the whole experience!.
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the spaghetti. Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, and then top with the remaining spaghetti. Pour the rest of the meat sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle the 2 cups (225g) of mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30 minutes .
7. Let the mozzarella spaghetti bake rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef Spaghetti Casserole Glory

Don’t overcook the spaghetti! Al dente is your friend. Browning the ground beef well adds so much flavour. I have messed with overcooking the pasta and it can be a bit mushy.

A family dinner casserole win! The best thing about it is that can be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours .

Recipe Notes: Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole a Breeze!

Okay, let's get this show on the road! This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is already pretty straightforward. But these notes will make it even easier.

Think of me as your friendly neighborhood whisperer. I will make sure your million dollar spaghetti recipe gets all the online love.

No worries, mate!

Serving Suggestions That'll Wow!

Want to fancy up your spaghetti casserole recipe ? Absolutely. Plate individual portions. Garnish with fresh basil. It looks super posh.

A simple side salad with a zingy Italian dressing complements the richness. Some garlic bread never hurts either. Oh my gosh, a glass of Chianti? That will make your evening.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Honestly, who doesn't? This comfort food casserole is even better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

In an airtight container, naturally. To freeze, cut into individual portions. Wrap well. It will last for about 2 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight. Then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Variations: Making it Your Million Dollar Spaghetti

Need a vegetarian version? Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant based alternative. Want to lighten it up? Use part skim ricotta.

For a seasonal twist, add roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers in summer. Honestly? This baked spaghetti recipe is super flexible!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Day

Each serving of this million dollar spaghetti casserole has about 450-550 calories. You will also get a good dose of protein and carbs.

These figures vary based on the ingredients, of course. It's not exactly a health food. However, it is a delicious way to feed a crowd.

Think of this family dinner casserole as a treat.

So there you have it, easy casserole recipes don't get much better than this million dollar spaghetti casserole . You will nail it! Enjoy your spaghetti casserole with ricotta .

You will create this ground beef spaghetti casserole for mozzarella spaghetti bake . This pasta bake will be a hit. Honestly, it is comfort food perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make million dollar spaghetti casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it like getting a head start on your culinary marathon!

My million dollar spaghetti casserole seems watery, what did I do wrong?

A watery casserole usually means there's excess moisture somewhere. Make sure you drain the spaghetti really well after cooking. Also, squeeze out any extra moisture from the ricotta cheese with a cheesecloth or paper towels. For the meat sauce, be sure to drain excess grease after browning the ground beef.

If using frozen ground beef, thaw and drain it well before cooking.

How should I store leftover million dollar spaghetti casserole?

Leftovers are the best part! Store cooled million dollar spaghetti casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake larger portions in the oven until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What are some variations I can make to this million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe?

Get creative! For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use a spicy sausage. You can also sneak in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the sauce for extra nutrients.

If you're feeling fancy, try using different cheeses like provolone or fontina in addition to the mozzarella.

Is million dollar spaghetti casserole healthy?

While undeniably delicious, it is considered an indulgence. To make it healthier, consider using leaner ground beef or ground turkey. You can also use part skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Adding vegetables to the meat sauce also boosts the nutritional value.

Portion control is key to enjoying it as part of a balanced diet. You can also substitute traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options.