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This million dollar spaghetti casserole transforms basic pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish that's become my go-to for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, and three kinds of cheese create something truly magical when baked to golden perfection.
I first made this casserole for my sister's birthday dinner when I was scrambling for an impressive dish with ingredients I already had. The name doesn't lie—everyone treated it like a million-dollar meal, and now it's requested at every family gathering.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti pasta: Forms the sturdy base this dish needs to hold all those delicious layers
- Ground beef: Provides rich flavor and hearty texture. Use 80/20 for best flavor
- Onion and garlic: Create an aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish
- Crushed tomatoes: Offer bright acidity and natural sweetness. Look for San Marzano for best flavor
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy layer that melts into heavenly pockets throughout
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible stretchy pull with every bite
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish that crisps beautifully on top
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with classic herbs in one convenient blend
- Olive oil: Helps bloom the flavors of the aromatics at the beginning
- Salt and pepper: Balance and enhance all the other flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti in generously salted water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce cling better.
- Create the Meat Sauce Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add diced onions and cook for 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains, about 6 minutes.
- Develop Deep Flavor:
- Once meat is browned, drain excess fat leaving just a tablespoon for flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and flavors to intensify. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Creamy Element:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of seasoning. This creamy layer will create pockets of richness throughout the casserole.
- Layer Like a Pro:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Place half the cooked spaghetti in an even layer on the bottom. Top with half the meat sauce, spreading to the edges. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta mixture evenly across the surface. Sprinkle half the mozzarella over everything. Repeat these layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with mozzarella and all the Parmesan on top.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil making sure it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake covered for 25 minutes allowing the layers to heat through. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and slightly crispy at the edges. Let stand 10 minutes before serving to set up properly.
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The crushed tomatoes are truly the unsung hero of this dish. My grandmother always said good Italian cooking starts with the best tomatoes you can find. When I make this for Sunday family dinners, the kitchen fills with an aroma that brings everyone to the table before I even call them.
Make It Your Own
Million dollar spaghetti welcomes customization based on what you have on hand. Try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier kick. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use part-skim cheeses. Vegetarians can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. The essence remains the same—a gloriously layered pasta bake that satisfies deeply.
Perfect Pairings
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent side for sopping up extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast, serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus tossed with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest. The brightness of vegetables complements the decadent pasta perfectly.
Storing and Reheating
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through. For best results, reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before serving to revive the gooey factor.
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This pasta casserole proves that simple pantry ingredients can create a million-dollar meal everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
- → What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese makes an excellent substitute for ricotta. For a creamier texture, blend it briefly. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream (4:1 ratio) works well, or try mascarpone for a richer flavor.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version with similar texture and flavor complexity.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or larger amounts in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- → Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Either freeze before baking or after fully cooked and cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- → What sides pair well with this pasta bake?
Serve with garlic bread, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or sautéed spinach. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with antipasto or a light soup like minestrone.