Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
601 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Description
The sauce is built by browning ground beef and Italian sausage with onions and garlic, then simmered with marinara and tomato sauce for a rich, savory base. Seasoned with salt and pepper, the meat sauce achieves a balanced tomato-meat flavor.
Layering cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and a cheese mixture made from ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning results in a creamy, cheesy component that contrasts with the textured pasta and meat. Butter slices laid beneath and on top provide richness and help achieve a slight golden crust when baked.
Baking the casserole melds the flavors and melts the cheeses while binding the spaghetti with the sauce. The mozzarella topping adds a stretchy, gooey finish. This dish works well as a filling main course suitable for family meals or gatherings, pairing easily with simple salads or garlic bread.
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage casings removed, mild
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce such as Newman's Own
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
For the cheese layer
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For assembly
- 16 ounces spaghetti cooked according to package directions
- 1/4 cup butter cut into thin slices
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.
For the sauce
- Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the meat for 3 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Add the diced onion to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until meat is browned and cooked through and the onions are tender.
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Add the marinara sauce and tomato sauce and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
For the cheese layer
- Place the ricotta, cream cheese, parmesan, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
For assembly
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce.
- Arrange half of the butter on the bottom of the dish, then place half the spaghetti on top.
- Spread the cheese layer on top of the pasta, then place the remaining half of the pasta on top.
- Arrange the remaining half of of the butter on top of the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until pasta is bubbly and cheese is melted and browned.
- Sprinkle with parsley. Let stand for 5-7 minutes, then serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 601 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 601kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 102mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 726mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 863mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 680IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 189mg | 19% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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