Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 8 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
3. 3 Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. 4 Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
6. 6 In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, then half the meat sauce, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese.
7. 7 Repeat layers ending with a layer of sauce.
8. 8 Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
9. 9 Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden.
10. 10 Garnish with parsley before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Oven

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to lighten up the dish.
• Substitute zucchini noodles for traditional spaghetti for a low-carb twist.

Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Pinot Noir

Nutrition

Tips

• For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Consider adding cooked ground sausage or diced ham for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.
• Pair with a chilled Pinot Noir for a delightful contrast.

FAQ