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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty dish that combines pasta, meat, and cheese. This recipe is simple yet tasty, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can find the full recipe listed above. Here’s what you need: - 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish If you want to switch things up, here are some options: - Use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey. - Substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce. - Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter choice. - Use a mix of different cheeses for added flavor. - Add spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost. These swaps can help you customize the dish to your taste! To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package directions until the spaghetti is al dente. Drain it and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground meat. Cook until it turns brown, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens and looks clear. Drain extra fat if needed. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix with the meat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Now, it’s time to layer your casserole. In a large casserole dish, place half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom. Top it with half of the meat sauce. Then, spoon half of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat this layering with the rest of the spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta. For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn a light golden color. Layering is key to making this casserole great. Start with spaghetti to give it a solid base. The meat sauce adds flavor and moisture. The ricotta mixture brings creaminess. Make sure you distribute each layer evenly. This helps every bite taste just as good. When you finish layering, the top cheese layer will create a lovely crust when it bakes. After baking, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil for a nice pop of color and flavor. Don't forget to check the full recipe for all the details! To get the cheese just right, mix ricotta, egg, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. This blend gives a creamy texture that melts perfectly. Make sure to combine well so it becomes smooth. A well-mixed cheese layer will ensure even flavor in every bite. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. A watery casserole can ruin your meal. To prevent this, drain excess fat from the meat after cooking. Also, let the marinara sauce simmer a bit longer. This helps thicken the sauce. Using whole wheat or thicker pasta can also help absorb moisture. If you still find your casserole a bit runny, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top can soak up excess liquid. Serve your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. Garlic bread is also a great side. It adds a crunchy texture and complements the meal well. For drinks, pair it with a nice red wine or sparkling water with lemon. This adds a refreshing touch to your dining experience. Enjoy your meal with family and friends, and watch them go back for seconds! {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Simply replace the meat with veggies. Try using mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add lentils for protein. This version keeps the same rich flavors while being meat-free. If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives made from rice or quinoa. Make sure to check the marinara sauce too. Some brands may contain gluten, so read the label carefully. To boost flavor, consider adding spices and herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh or dried basil elevates the taste. You can also try oregano or thyme for depth. These simple additions can make your casserole even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole section. To keep your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish has cooled to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. If you plan to eat it within three days, it’s safe to keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist while reheating. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer the top crispy, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for quicker servings. Just cover the dish and heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking often. If you want to store your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole for longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into portions and place each piece in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to label them with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime! Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Always check for any off odors or discoloration before eating leftovers. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, take it out and let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe container and heat in short bursts until warm. Enjoy your delicious meal again! This blog post covered all you need for making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. We reviewed the key ingredients and shared helpful substitutions. Step-by-step instructions guide you through preparation and cooking. Tips ensure you avoid common issues, while variations let you customize for dietary needs. Lastly, I shared smart storage methods for leftovers. With these details, you're ready to create a tasty dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Indulge in the deliciousness of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This comforting recipe combines layers of tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this casserole is sure to impress! Get all the step-by-step instructions and tips by clicking through to explore these mouthwatering recipes today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

1 large egg

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, using a spatula to break it into crumbles. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

        Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, and add salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

          Make the Cheese Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and creamy.

            Layer the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, start by layering half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom. Follow with half of the meat sauce, and then dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture, finishing with a layer of the remaining cheeses.

              Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and lightly golden.

                Cool and Serve: Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm, directly from the dish. For an added touch, place a basil leaf on each serving and, if desired, drizzle a little extra marinara sauce around the plate for an elegant finish.