million dollar baked spaghetti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best million dollar baked spaghetti recipe

I’ve been making million dollar baked spaghetti for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite dishes. The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is a winner every time. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and watching the casserole bake in the oven.

It’s a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Christmas or Easter. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. The best part is that it freezes beautifully, so I can make a large batch and have plenty of leftovers for future meals.

My family loves when I serve this with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. I’ve even been known to sneak in some extra veggies like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutritional value without affecting the flavor. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m happy to share it with you today.

My grandmother used to make it all the time when I was growing up, and now I make it for my own kids. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that never fails to hit the spot. I’ve tried many different variations over the years, but this classic recipe remains my go-to choice.

It’s a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too.

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

4.8 from 1041 votes

A rich and comforting baked spaghetti dish with a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 onion
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup water

For the Cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp melted butter

For the Spaghetti

8 oz spaghetti

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
5Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
6This will take about 8-10 minutes.
7Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
8In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
9Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
10Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
11Drain any excess fat.
12Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
13Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
14Add the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
15Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
16Add 1 cup of water to the sauce and stir well.
17In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the sauce.
18Mix well until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
19Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish.
20Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
21In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, olive oil, and melted butter.
22Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
23Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the breadcrumbs.
24Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
25The top should be crispy and the cheese should be fully melted.
26Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Large pot
Skillet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Works

This million dollar baked spaghetti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and freezes well, so you can prep it in advance if needed.

My family loves when I serve this with some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side – it’s just the perfect comfort food combination.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Q: What is million dollar baked spaghetti?

This dish is essentially a casserole made with ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains ground beef and therefore is not suitable for vegetarians.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but traditional spaghetti works best in this recipe.

Q: How long does this dish take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes beautifully and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?

Serving this dish with a side salad or garlic bread is always a good idea. You can also try serving it with some roasted vegetables or a green salad for added nutrition.

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