Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that combines layers of pasta, cheesy goodness, and a savory meat sauce. It’s a favorite for family dinners and potlucks due to its indulgent flavor and satisfying nature. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you make this delicious casserole:

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Pasta and Cheese Mixture:
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Prepare Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

1. Mix the Cheese Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
• Add half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the meat sauce.
• Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, spaghetti, ricotta mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

1. Add Topping:

• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Just assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Title:

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: Indulgent, Cheesy, and Comforting!

This casserole is sure to impress with its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, it’s a dish that delivers on both taste and satisfaction. Enjoy!