Introduction
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. This indulgent comfort food combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted cheese on top. It’s a popular dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. The name “Million Dollar” comes from its rich and satisfying flavors that make it taste like a million bucks!
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding extra veggies, using different types of cheese, or incorporating spicy sausage for an extra kick. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
In this article, we’ll take you through the ingredients you’ll need, the step-by-step process of making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, some variations to try, helpful tips for success, and answers to frequently asked questions about this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
To make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of spaghetti
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 jar of marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup of sour cream
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences or the number of servings you’d like to make.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the marinara sauce, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
6. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Top with the cream cheese mixture, then layer the remaining spaghetti on top.
7. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Variations
There are endless ways to customize Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
– Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
– Use a combination of different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or Gouda for a unique twist.
– Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and doubling the amount of veggies.
– Spice it up with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make this casserole your own!
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
– Cook the spaghetti al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
– Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
– Season each layer with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
– Cover the casserole with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
– Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a decadent and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is a true indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is a winner.
By following the simple steps outlined in this article and experimenting with different variations, you can create a personalized version of this classic dish that suits your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of luxury with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole freezes well. Simply portion out the leftovers, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While spaghetti works best for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Enjoy making and savoring this delectable Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
A decadent and satisfying casserole that features layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted cheese on top. Perfect for feeding a crowd, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
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1 pound spaghetti
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1 pound ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar marinara sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned and vegetables are tender.
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Add marinara sauce, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella until well combined.
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Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish, top with the cream cheese mixture, then layer the remaining spaghetti on top.
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Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let casserole rest before serving. Enjoy!
