This Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting dish that’s cheesy, meaty, and oh-so-satisfying! With layers of spaghetti, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, dinner is a hit!
Honestly, who can resist a meal that’s both tasty and easy? I love how it brings everyone together, and there’s always enough for seconds—perfect for hungry bellies! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: I recommend using regular spaghetti for this dish, but you can swap it with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Both options will work great!
Ground Beef: While ground beef is classic, you can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian twist. I’ve used ground turkey before, and it’s super tasty!
Ricotta Cheese: If you want a lighter version, cottage cheese can be a good substitute for ricotta. Just blend it a bit to make it creamier. You could also skip cheese for a dairy-free option using cashew cream.
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for that melty goodness, but feel free to mix in some cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor. I love a combination of cheeses!
How Do I Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
The key to that perfectly melted cheese on top is in the baking! To achieve a bubbly and golden finish, first cover the casserole with foil while it bakes. This keeps the moisture in. Remove the foil in the last 10–15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting.
- Cover tightly with foil initially to steam the cheese and warm the layers.
- After 25 minutes, take off the foil to let the cheese bubble and take on that beautiful golden color.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so everything sets. Trust me, this little waiting game is worth it!
Easy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes before you can dig into this cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven & Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until they are softened and smell wonderful, about 3 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning the garlic!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6–8 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Stir in the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. This will create a delicious sauce that combines all those great flavors!
5. Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture. Mix everything together well so every strand of spaghetti gets coated with that awesome sauce.
6. Layer it in a Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish. Next, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the first layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese for that cheesy goodness!
7. Add More Layers:
Now, add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and spread it around to evenly cover. Finish it off by sprinkling on the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Yum!
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the entire casserole with foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Let it Rest & Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything to set nicely. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! It’s hearty, cheesy, and sure to be a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap out regular spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta without any issues. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions, as cooking times may vary slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave works too—just cover the dish to retain moisture!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese makes a great substitute! For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth for a similar texture.
