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- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish When making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, the right ingredients matter. The blend of rich flavors creates a tasty dish. I enjoy using fresh items for the best taste. - Substitute ground meat with plant-based protein - Use gluten-free spaghetti for dietary restrictions If you want to change things up, consider these options. Plant-based protein is great for vegetarians. Gluten-free spaghetti works well for those with allergies. These swaps help everyone enjoy this dish. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook spaghetti until al dente and drain. - Brown the ground meat with diced onions and minced garlic. - Add marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. - Mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. - Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in a casserole dish. - Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. - Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top. - Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta. - Top with the remaining cheeses and cover with foil. - Bake for 30 minutes covered, then 15 minutes uncovered. - Remove from the oven and let it cool for a short time. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. - Ensure spaghetti is not overcooked for the best texture. - Let the casserole sit before serving for easier slicing. Cooking spaghetti just right matters. If you cook it too long, it turns mushy. Al dente spaghetti gives the dish a nice bite. After baking, let the casserole rest. This helps the layers set. When you cut it, each slice will hold together. - Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. - Include chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Want to jazz up your casserole? Try adding crushed red pepper. It gives a nice heat without being too intense. You can also mix in chopped vegetables. Bell peppers and mushrooms add color and taste. They make your meal even more nutritious. - Serve with garlic bread or a side salad. - Pair with a light red wine for a complete meal. When it's time to eat, think about sides. Garlic bread is a classic choice. It soaks up the sauce and tastes great. A fresh side salad balances the meal nicely. For drinks, a light red wine pairs well. It enhances the flavors and makes dinner feel special. {{image_2}} For a tasty vegetarian option, swap the ground meat for lentils or mushrooms. Lentils add protein and fiber while keeping the dish hearty. You can also use chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. Simply sauté the lentils or mushrooms with onions and garlic before adding the marinara sauce. This way, you keep the rich flavor and add a healthy twist. Cheese lovers, rejoice! You can make this dish extra cheesy by adding layers of different cheeses. Try using Gouda or cheddar alongside the mozzarella and Parmesan. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor. Mix in these extra cheeses in between the layers or sprinkle them on top for a gooey finish. This variation elevates your casserole to a whole new level. If you like a little heat, consider adding jalapeños or spicy Italian sausage. For jalapeños, slice them thinly and mix them into the meat sauce. If you choose sausage, cook it with the ground meat for a spicy kick. Both options will warm up your casserole and make it exciting. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, and enjoy the extra flavor! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Make sure to let the casserole cool first. If you cover it too soon, moisture will form. This can make the dish soggy. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. This is great for quick meals later on. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date. To thaw, move the casserole to the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven for even heating or in the microwave. If using the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole again! Overcooked spaghetti can become mushy and affect the casserole texture. It may lose its shape and blend into the sauce. For best results, cook the spaghetti until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. It will hold its shape better in the casserole. Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake when ready. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Just store it in the fridge covered with foil. When you are ready, bake it directly from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. You can check this by looking at the top layer of cheese. It should be a nice golden color. If you want to be sure, you can use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. You can try cheddar, Gouda, or even feta for a twist. Each cheese will add its own flavor to the dish. Mixing a few different cheeses can make it even tastier! This blog post shared a simple recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. We covered the core ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. You learned about storage options and variations to suit different diets. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own. Enjoy the process and share it with loved ones for a satisfying meal!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Discover the deliciousness of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners! With layers of tender spaghetti, savory ground meat, rich marinara, and a cheesy blend, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make and great for leftovers too. Want to impress your guests? Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and turn dinner into a celebration!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

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

      In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, adding the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned, and the onion is transparent. Drain any excess fat.

        Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

          In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until well combined.

            In a large casserole dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Then, dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.

              Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly over the top.

                Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

                  Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor and color.

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