When you think of comfort food that wraps you in a warm, cheesy embrace, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the dish that springs to mind. Imagine layers of tender pasta intertwined with rich marinara sauce, gooey cheeses melting into a symphony of flavor that dances on your taste buds. cheesy Brussels sprout bake cheesy baked tortellini dish It’s the kind of meal that elicits “oohs” and “aahs” from family and friends alike, leaving them eagerly reaching for seconds – or thirds! creamy honey BBQ chicken pasta. For more inspiration, check out this French toast casserole recipe recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole so special?
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This casserole isn’t just a feast for the senses; it’s also a heartwarming reminder of cozy family dinners and special occasions. Picture this: your loved ones gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as they dig into this delicious creation. The aroma wafts through your home, making even the most dedicated dieter weak in the knees. chicken and rice casserole recipe Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a casual weekend gathering, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole promises an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This scrumptious casserole is easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills
- Bursting with flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering
- The vibrant layers make it visually appealing and perfect for sharing at potlucks or dinner parties
- You can easily customize ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary requirements
I still remember the first time I made Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole; my friends devoured it so quickly I barely got a bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti: Opt for whole wheat or regular; both work great for this dish.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy delight adds richness and helps bind all the flavors together.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The more, the merrier! It creates that irresistible gooey layer on top.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan elevates this casserole with its nutty flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out all those comforting Italian flavors.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs help hold everything together like glue while adding richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Basil (optional): For garnishing, adding color and freshness to each serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in your spaghetti. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up while cooking until no pink remains.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
Create Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, whisked eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth. This mixture will create an amazing creamy layer in your casserole.
Layer Everything in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the spaghetti in a greased baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture followed by half of the cheese mixture.
Add Final Layers: Repeat with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and finish with shredded mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for approximately 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Now serve up those generous portions—your loved ones won’t be able to resist!
Enjoying Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket after being out in the cold; it just feels right!
You Must Know
- The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare
- This dish combines layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, creating a comforting meal that satisfies everyone’s cravings
- Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it promises to deliver delightful flavors with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente, then prepare your sauce while the pasta cooks. Layer the ingredients efficiently in a baking dish to achieve even cooking and flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap traditional ground beef for turkey or add veggies like mushrooms and spinach for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid mushy pasta, always cook it al dente before baking
- Layering ingredients evenly ensures every bite is flavorful
- Don’t skip letting it rest after baking; this helps the casserole set beautifully!
It’s funny how my friends used to think I was an amateur cook until they tasted my Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Their amazed faces were priceless, especially when I revealed how simple it was!
FAQ
What makes this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole so special?
The combination of creamy cheese and savory sauce creates a unique comfort food experience.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before and bake it just before serving for best results.
What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
A fresh garden salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this delicious casserole. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Wrap yourself in the warmth of comfort food with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This delightful dish layers tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a medley of rich cheeses, all enveloped in savory marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil water in a large pot and salt it generously. Cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Stir the marinara sauce into the beef and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg