The Ultimate Comfort: Irresistible Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti

Imagine a dish so rich, so comforting, and so utterly satisfying that it feels like a culinary hug. That’s precisely what you get with **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti**. This isn’t just your average pasta bake; it’s an elevated experience, layering rich meat sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and an abundance of gooey mozzarella. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds, and leaves them feeling deeply content. Forget complicated recipes or endless prep work – this show-stopping **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti** is surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, delicious dinner. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like a million bucks, right here in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Your Million Dollar Masterpiece

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this magnificent **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti**. We’re talking about fresh, flavorful components that build incredible depth in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting meat and pasta dish:

• 1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 lean is perfect)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• ½ cup water or beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Creating your mouthwatering **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti** is an enjoyable process, and these detailed instructions will guide you through every step, ensuring a perfect result every time. Follow along closely to build layers of flavor and texture that truly shine.

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and water or beef broth. Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

4. Make the Ricotta Mixture: While the sauce simmers, prepare your creamy ricotta layer. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

5. Preheat Oven & Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Now, it’s time to assemble your **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti**! Start by spreading about 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

6. Layer the Spaghetti: Next, place half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce in an even layer. Spoon the entire ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, spreading it gently to cover as much of the pasta as possible. Top the ricotta layer with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Second Layer: Spoon another 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella. Place the remaining spaghetti on top of this sauce layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring it’s well covered.

8. Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the dish. This creates that iconic, golden-brown crust.

9. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and the sauce is heated through. Let the **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti** rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set up, making for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Dish

This hearty **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti** is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple additions can elevate the entire dining experience. For a balanced dinner, pair this rich dish with a crisp, fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side is a must for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce. A glass of your favorite red wine, like a Chianti or a Merlot, also complements the robust flavors of this amazing meal. Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for that final touch of elegance and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti** dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through completely.

Can I freeze leftover Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully. Once cooled, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for convenient future meals. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave until hot. A whole pan can be frozen, thawed, and then baked as directed.

What if I don’t have ground beef?

You can easily substitute ground turkey or a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for the ground beef in this **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti** recipe. Each substitution will lend a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor profile to the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can be sautéed with the onion and garlic to add extra nutrients and flavor to your meat sauce. This is a great way to customize your **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti**.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Awaits!

There’s a reason why **Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti** has captured so many hearts and appetites – it’s a symphony of classic Italian-American flavors, brought together in an incredibly satisfying, cheesy, and hearty package. This recipe delivers on its promise of big flavor with minimal fuss, making it a perfect addition to your family’s meal rotation. We hope you feel inspired to bring this incredible dish to life in your own kitchen. Once you taste that first forkful, you’ll understand why it truly lives up to its name. Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us how much you loved this recipe by leaving a comment below! For more inspiring, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious recipes, make sure to visit us frequently at MagicInKitchen.com – your go-to source for culinary magic!