Looking for the ultimate comfort food that will please a crowd? This Million Dollar Baked Layered Spaghetti is your answer. This dish combines the hearty goodness of a spaghetti casserole with layers of creamy ricotta and savory homemade meat sauce, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Imagine tender spaghetti enveloped in a cheesy, creamy filling, topped with a rich meat sauce and melted mozzarella. This recipe is truly a celebration of flavors, offering a delightful combination of textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who loves cheesy pasta, this Million Dollar Spaghetti is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s easy to throw together, and it bakes up beautifully, creating layers of deliciousness all in one pan.
Introducing Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to Million Dollar Spaghetti. This baked spaghetti casserole is a delightful blend of layers featuring creamy cheese and savory homemade meat sauce.
Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe stands out as a staple in many kitchens. The combination of tender pasta enveloped in rich cheese, topped with melted mozzarella, creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone loves.
With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, this dish qualifies as the ultimate comfort food, ideal for feeding a crowd. Baked spaghetti recipes like this one are sure to impress your family and friends alike.
Layers of Flavor and Texture
This baked spaghetti features a harmonious mix of layers, including tender noodles, a creamy cheese filling, and a hearty meat sauce. Each bite reveals a delightful mixture of textures, from the softness of the pasta to the gooeyness of the melted mozzarella.
The inclusion of ricotta cheese adds an extra creamy element, making this casserole even more indulgent. Together with the homemade meat sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan, you have a flavor-packed dish that goes beyond the standard spaghetti.
This spaghetti casserole is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates cheesy pasta dishes. Its rich and satisfying nature ensures that it quickly becomes a go-to recipe for gatherings or family meals.
Preparing Your Baked Spaghetti
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation. Begin by cooking the spaghetti until tender, then set it aside while you prepare the meat sauce. As you sauté the onions and garlic, the aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for a delicious meal.
Once the meat is browned and the sauce is simmering, it’s time to assemble the layers. Start with a bed of spaghetti, followed by a creamy layer of ricotta, then the hearty meat sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with plenty of melted mozzarella for that irresistible golden crust.
After a brief stint in the oven, the casserole emerges bubbling and golden, ready to be garnished with fresh parsley. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, making it perfect for serving straight from the baking dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. To enhance the dining experience, consider pairing it with a side of garlic bread, which complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
A simple salad can also provide a refreshing contrast, adding a light crunch to balance the creamy layers of the casserole. Together, these elements create a delightful dining atmosphere that invites everyone to dig in.
Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this spaghetti casserole is sure to satisfy. Each serving offers a hearty combination of flavors that will leave everyone feeling happy and fulfilled.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing this baked spaghetti is a breeze. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for a few days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavors only improve with time, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy individuals and families.
With its easy reheating process, this dish becomes a convenient choice for those nights when you crave comfort food without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
Final Thoughts on Your Spaghetti Casserole
Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s an experience meant to be shared. The layers of cheesy goodness, combined with the savory meat sauce, make it a standout dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night at home, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Its easy preparation and delightful flavors ensure that it will become a cherished recipe in your collection.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting serving of this amazing spaghetti casserole. It’s a pasta recipe for a crowd that will undoubtedly impress and satisfy all who partake.
The Best Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe
This baked spaghetti features layers of tender pasta, creamy cheese, and hearty meat sauce, delivering a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s ideal for any occasion. It’s rich, comforting, and has that classic cheesy pasta taste that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese or cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, followed by ricotta cheese, half of the meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g