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- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When I choose ingredients, I look for fresh and high-quality items. For the ground beef, I prefer lean cuts. This keeps the dish rich without being too greasy. For the cheeses, look for whole milk ricotta and fresh mozzarella. They give the best taste. Always pick ripe tomatoes for the sauce. They add depth to the flavor. Fresh garlic and onions make a big difference too. If you want to switch things up, try turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils. You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter touch. If you like more spice, add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. Lastly, use any cheese you like for the topping. Cheddar or gouda work well too. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until it turns brown, using a wooden spoon to break it apart. When the beef is nearly done, add 1 finely diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and clear. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of ricotta cheese with half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and half of the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This cheesy blend adds richness to the dish. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Begin layering your dish: start with half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce. Then, spread half of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Top it off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. This helps the cheese become golden and bubbly. Once done, let the dish cool for 10 minutes. This resting time makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To get the best flavor from your Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and onion add great taste. Choose ripe tomatoes for the sauce. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes, but keep it light for kids. Let the meat sauce simmer for at least five minutes. This helps all the flavors blend. Use a large pot for the spaghetti. This gives it room to cook evenly. Always salt the water before adding the spaghetti. This adds flavor to the noodles. When browning the beef, break it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and get nice color. For the cheese layer, mix the ricotta well with mozzarella and Parmesan. This makes it creamy and smooth. If your spaghetti is too dry after baking, it may need more sauce. Always check the sauce before layering. If the cheese does not brown, you can broil it for a minute. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. If the dish is too salty, add a little sugar to balance it out. Lastly, if it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to smooth it out. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and quality meats to enhance the flavor of your baked spaghetti. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference! Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish. Layer for Flavor: Ensure that you evenly distribute the layers of meat sauce and ricotta mixture. This will help each bite contain a balanced flavor and texture. Let It Rest: Allow the baked spaghetti to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a mix of veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté them in the pan until soft. Add them to the sauce just as you would with meat. Trust me, the flavors will still shine through. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or sliced pepperoncini. For an extra kick, try a dash of hot sauce in the ricotta. This spicy twist will make your baked spaghetti stand out. Change up the cheese for new tastes. Instead of ricotta, try cottage cheese for a lighter feel. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack can give a fun twist. For a more robust flavor, consider using feta or goat cheese. Each option will give the dish a unique flavor. To keep your Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to avoid air exposure. This will prevent drying out and keep flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. Reheating baked spaghetti can be simple. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent burning. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. If you want to freeze your baked spaghetti, make sure it’s completely cool first. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date and name. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the microwave on defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. You can serve a simple side salad with fresh greens. Garlic bread is also great for dipping. A light vinaigrette will add a nice touch to the salad. You can even add some roasted vegetables for more flavor. These sides make the meal more complete and enjoyable. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To reheat baked spaghetti, place a slice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the oven. Cover the dish with foil and heat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you see any signs of spoilage, it's best to throw it away. Enjoy your leftovers while they are still fresh! This post covered how to make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti. We explored ingredient choices, step-by-step instructions, and tips for best flavor. You learned about different variations to suit your taste and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and allows you to be creative. Enjoy making this dish your own, and share it with others. You might just find a new favorite closely held secret.

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

A rich and cheesy baked spaghetti dish that is sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once done, drain it well and set aside for later use.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until nicely browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When the beef is almost done, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent and aromatic.
  • Carefully stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, and then season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Start layering your ingredients in the dish: begin with half of the cooked spaghetti, then add half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this layering process with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
  • Finish by evenly sprinkling the top with the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring a cheesy crust when baked.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
  • Once done, allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Pair this rich baked spaghetti with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Keyword baked spaghetti, cheesy, pasta