Get ready to indulge in a hearty and delicious twist on traditional spaghetti – the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This dish combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with rich, creamy cheeses and savory ground beef, all baked to perfection. It’s a perfect meal for gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting family dinner. The name itself hints at the luxurious taste and satisfaction you’ll experience with every bite. Let’s dive into the recipe.
Who is This Recipe For?
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a hearty meal to feed the family, a beginner in the kitchen wanting to try something new, or a seasoned cook seeking to add a twist to traditional pasta dishes, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is for you. It’s simple yet sophisticated, making it ideal for any occasion.
Why Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
This dish stands out with its creamy, cheesy layers, and robust flavors. It’s a symphony of textures – the tenderness of pasta, the richness of cheese, and the heartiness of the meat sauce. Every bite feels like a celebration, making it worthy of its grand title.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), sliced
- 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
- Grated cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the spaghetti sauce to combine.
- Assemble the First Layer: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place slices of butter across the bottom. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter.
- Add the Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of spaghetti.
- Add the Second Layer of Noodles: Arrange the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer. Dot with slices of butter.
- Top with Meat Sauce: Evenly distribute the meat and sauce mixture over the top layer of noodles.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese on top, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
To Serve: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes after baking. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut into squares. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, for a truly luxurious meal.