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.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz of cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 package (16 oz) of spaghetti
- Grated cheddar cheese
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles until they are al dente (firm). Once done, drain them and set them aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until the mixture is well blended.
Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet until it’s fully browned. After cooking, drain the excess fat. Mix the browned beef with your jar of spaghetti sauce.
Assemble the First Layer: In a 9×13 inch baking pan, place a few slices of butter. Then, layer half of your cooked spaghetti noodles on top.
Add the Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti noodles, spreading it evenly.
Add the Second Layer of Noodles: Layer the remaining spaghetti noodles over the cream cheese mixture. Place a few more slices of butter on top of this noodle layer.
Top with Meat Sauce: Pour the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture over the top noodle layer.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake it for 30 minutes.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle your desired amount of grated cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.