millionaire baked spaghetti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
millionaire baked spaghetti recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best millionaire baked spaghetti recipe

I’ve been making this millionaire baked spaghetti recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite among my family and friends. The combination of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses is absolute perfection.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make and how well it feeds a crowd. Whether I’m planning a special occasion or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to deliver.

My kids adore helping me assemble the layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) As for me, I appreciate the fact that this recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other baked pasta dishes.

The use of lean ground beef and a generous amount of vegetables keeps the calorie count in check. Plus, the baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

In short, this millionaire baked spaghetti recipe is a true classic that deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Millionaire Baked Spaghetti

Millionaire Baked Spaghetti

4.7 from 964 votes

A decadent baked spaghetti dish layered with creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and a generous blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This rich, comforting casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a special weeknight dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

1 pound spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layers

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
5Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat into small pieces with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
6Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
8Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper.
10Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
11In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, and fresh parsley.
12Stir until smooth and well blended.
Set aside.
13To assemble, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
14Arrange half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce.
15Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently spread it into an even layer.
16Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella over the ricotta.
17Layer the remaining spaghetti on top, then spread the rest of the meat sauce over the pasta.
18Spoon the remaining ricotta mixture in dollops over the sauce and gently spread.
19Top with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
20Bake the spaghetti in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
21Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the layers to set.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 35g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Watch Video Of How Millionaire Baked Spaghetti Works

This millionaire baked spaghetti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day. One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is; you can easily customize it to suit your tastes by adding different vegetables or using alternative meats.

The best part? This recipe freezes beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time and store it in your freezer for up to 3 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Millionaire Baked Spaghetti

Q: What’s the story behind this millionaire baked spaghetti recipe?

This recipe has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, where rich pasta dishes were often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef if you prefer.

Q: How long does it take to cook this dish?

The baking time for this recipe is approximately 30-40 minutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the layers up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Is it possible to make individual servings instead of one large casserole?

Yes, you can use ramekins or small baking dishes to create individual portions.

Q: Can I use low-sodium tomato sauce or other variations on the original sauce ingredients?

You can customize the sauce to your taste by using low-sodium tomato sauce or adding other ingredients like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.

Similar Posts