Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress. With layers of rich, cheesy goodness combined with hearty meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce (approximately 24 oz)
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 package of spaghetti (16 oz)
- Grated cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the other layers.
- Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. Try to spread it evenly, but it’s okay if it’s not perfect.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Butter Slices:
- Cut the stick of butter into thin slices. Place the butter slices evenly over the top layer of spaghetti. This will add richness and flavor to the casserole.
- Add the Meat Sauce:
- Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti and butter slices, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Top with Cheese:
- Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top of the meat sauce. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Tips for the Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
- Cheese Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add different flavors and textures to your casserole.
- Add Vegetables:
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make-Ahead:
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
- Freezing:
- Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked pasta into one delicious dish. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something hearty and delicious, this casserole is a surefire winner. Enjoy the process of making it and savor every bite!
