Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings together all the elements of a classic spaghetti dinner in a convenient, baked form. This delicious casserole combines tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a rich cheese mixture for a truly indulgent meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the details of making this delectable casserole!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 package spaghetti (16 oz)
- Grated cheddar cheese (amount as desired)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 16 oz package of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 lb of ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Spaghetti Sauce: Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce with the cooked ground beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Mix Cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of sour cream, and ½ lb (1 cup) of cottage cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Butter the Spaghetti: Cut the ½ cup (1 stick) of butter into slices. Place half of the slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Spaghetti: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter slices in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the layer of spaghetti.
- Top with Remaining Spaghetti: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
- Add Butter Slices: Place the remaining butter slices on top of the spaghetti.
- Pour Meat Sauce: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top of the layered spaghetti and cheese mixture.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.
Cooking Notes
- Cheese: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
- Seasoning: You can add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Vegetables: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for additional texture and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole? A: This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, substitute the spaghetti with low-carb pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Ensure the cottage cheese and sour cream are full-fat and low in carbs.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the comforting flavors of a classic spaghetti dinner into one easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress with its creamy, cheesy layers and savory meat sauce.
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