Hommade Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

If you’re searching for a dish that combines the comfort of a classic spaghetti dinner with a touch of indulgence, look no further than our Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This deliciously cheesy, meaty casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a hearty, comforting meal. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.
3. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture in an even layer.
4. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer.
5. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
2. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a combination of your favorite vegetables or a meat substitute.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the best parts of a classic spaghetti dinner into one delicious, cheesy dish. It’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

We’d love to see how your casserole turns out! Share your cooking success with us in the comments or tag us on social media.