You’ll fall in love with this spaghetti casserole recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and delightful layers, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, even on the busiest of days.
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole addresses issues of blandness and dryness, providing a flavorful and comforting dish that families love during mealtime.
I remember the first time I tried it; my kids were running around, and I just needed something hearty and quick. With a love for Italian flavors, I was searching for a meal that wouldn’t leave my family hungry. This casserole checks all the boxes, it’s comforting, filling, and a breeze to prepare.
What truly works about this dish is how well everything bakes together. With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour in the oven, you’re left with a bubbling, cheesy delight that smells amazing! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or when friends come over.
If you’re after a tasty twist on classic pasta, check out my ground beef hash brown casserole for another delicious option!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Layers , With hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella baked together, this casserole delivers a cozy meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
- Effortless Prep , In just 15 minutes, you can set everything up, mixing pasta with sauce and layering in the cheesy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have much time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly , You can prepare this spaghetti casserole ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It stays fresh in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
- Filling and Flavorful , The blend of Italian seasoning, sautéed onions, and garlic takes the flavor up a notch, ensuring every forkful bursts with taste that everyone will enjoy.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a cheesy baked spaghetti recipe layered with seasoned meat sauce and a creamy ricotta, cream cheese mixture. Serves 6.
Ingredients
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- Main Ingredients
- 16 oz. (454 g) dried spaghetti
- 2 x 24 oz. (680 g each) jars pasta sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. (454 g) lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 oz. (227 g) ricotta cheese
- 8 oz. (227 g) cream cheese
- 3 cups (about 340 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for even baking and to achieve a nice golden top on the casserole.
- Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the dried spaghetti in salted water following the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly. If the spaghetti seems sticky after cooking, rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to separate the strands. Mix the cooked spaghetti with one jar of the pasta sauce and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Step 4: Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break the meat up with the back of a spoon as it cooks, stirring frequently until there is no pink left and the beef is cooked through evenly.
- Step 5: Stir in the Sauce: Add 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning and the remaining jar of pasta sauce to the beef mixture. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. If the sauce seems too watery, simmer uncovered on low heat for 10 minutes to reduce excess moisture.
- Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and well blended to create a creamy cheese layer.
- Step 7: Layer the Casserole: Lightly grease the 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce over the base of the dish. Gently layer half of the spaghetti mixed with sauce on top. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti evenly. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and cheese mixture, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 8: Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Covering traps steam and keeps the casserole moist.
- Step 9: Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become bubbly and slightly golden. If the casserole is not browning enough, remove foil during these last 10 minutes for a golden top.
- Step 10: Let it Rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making slicing easier and maintaining the casserole’s shape.
Notes
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- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover to prevent drying and preserve texture.
- Refrigeration: Keep casserole tightly covered in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days. Cover to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Use long, thin spaghetti for classic texture; whole grain spaghetti is a good healthy alternative.
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce greasiness. Ground turkey or sausage can be used for variation.
- Choose high-quality marinara sauce without added sugars for better flavor. Homemade sauce from canned tomatoes also works.
- Use fresh ricotta for creaminess; cottage cheese is a lighter substitute but will alter flavor.
- Whole milk mozzarella yields gooey, stretchy cheese; provolone can provide a sharper taste.
- To avoid sticky spaghetti, rinse cooked pasta briefly with cold water.
- If layers are uneven, gently spread the cheese mixture with a spatula before adding meat sauce to ensure even distribution throughout.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better, while the microwave is quicker for single servings.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or a green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or any gluten-free bread option pairs well to complement the meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds moisture and richness.
- Make individual portions by layering in muffin tins for spaghetti casserole muffins.
- Use the base mixture as stuffing for bell peppers.
- Substitute ground turkey or sausage for beef for different flavor profiles.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish and enhances flavor better than pre-grated.
- Use whole milk mozzarella for optimal melt and texture.
- High-quality marinara sauce improves overall flavor; read labels for no added sugars.
- Cream cheese and ricotta combine for a smooth, creamy cheese mixture to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti: Use long, thin spaghetti for a classic texture that absorbs the sauce well. Whole grain is a good substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
- Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef to keep the dish from being too greasy. It adds a hearty flavor that’s hard to beat. Ground turkey can work if you want something lighter.
- Marinara sauce: A high-quality marinara boosts the flavor significantly. Look for sauces without added sugars. If you’re in a pinch, a homemade mix from canned tomatoes can do.
- Ricotta cheese: Use fresh ricotta for creaminess. It gives the casserole a nice richness and prevents it from drying out. Cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative, though it will change the flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for gooey, stretchy cheese that holds everything together. If you want a sharper taste, consider using provolone.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that really enhances the dish. Pre-grated works, but it lacks that fresh flavor.
- Spaghetti: Use long, thin spaghetti for a classic texture that absorbs the sauce well. Whole grain is a good substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
- Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef to keep the dish from being too greasy. It adds a hearty flavor that’s hard to beat. Ground turkey can work if you want something lighter.
- Marinara sauce: A high-quality marinara boosts the flavor significantly. Look for sauces without added sugars. If you’re in a pinch, a homemade mix from canned tomatoes can do.
- Ricotta cheese: Use fresh ricotta for creaminess. It gives the casserole a nice richness and prevents it from drying out. Cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative, though it will change the flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for gooey, stretchy cheese that holds everything together. If you want a sharper taste, consider using provolone.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that really enhances the dish. Pre-grated works, but it lacks that fresh flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If the spaghetti seems sticky after cooking, rinse it under cold water for 30 seconds to separate the strands before mixing with sauce.
- When the meat sauce appears too watery, simmer uncovered on low heat for 10 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- If your casserole isn’t browning enough, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden top.
- For uneven layering, spread cheese mixture gently with a spatula before adding meat sauce, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- If you encounter leftover casserole, store it in an airtight container up to 3 days, reheating portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti casserole with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad topped with vinaigrette. Garlic bread or gluten-free options pair well to complement the meal.
Use to make individual spaghetti casseroles by layering in muffin tins or use the base in stuffed bell peppers. Add ground turkey or sausage for variation, and include mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
Top with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds moisture and richness to each portion.
Recipe variations
- You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef to change the protein in this spaghetti casserole recipe.
- Add 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the meat sauce to keep the classic herb flavor balanced in the casserole.
- Either store-bought or homemade pasta sauce can be used; be sure to use two 24-ounce jars for proper moisture levels.
- If making extra servings, double all ingredients and bake in a 13 x 9 inch dish for 45 minutes, covered then uncovered.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Cover to prevent drying and maintain texture.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days. Keep covered to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in a freezer container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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