If you’re looking for a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering, look no further than the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This dish combines the heartiness of spaghetti with creamy cheeses, savory ground beef, and flavorful sauce to create a mouthwatering meal that tastes like a million bucks!
Here’s how you can create this delicious, cheesy casserole that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: The main protein, providing a savory and meaty texture.
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for added flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the cheese mixture.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and depth to the creamy filling.
- ½ lb cottage cheese (1 cup): For an extra creamy layer and subtle flavor.
- ½ cup butter (1 stick): Melted to mix with the spaghetti, adding richness.
- 1 pkg (16 oz) spaghetti: Cooked until al dente, the base of the casserole.
- 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for that cheesy, melty finish.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the rest of the dish.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
After the beef is browned, stir in 1 jar of spaghetti sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, and ½ lb cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended. This creamy cheese layer is what makes the casserole so indulgent and delicious.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to put everything together!
- Melt the butter (½ cup) and toss it with the cooked spaghetti, ensuring the noodles are fully coated with the buttery goodness.
- In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the buttered spaghetti evenly across the bottom.
- Next, spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer, making sure to cover the pasta evenly.
- Add the remaining buttered spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly across the dish.
- Pour the prepared meat sauce over the top of the casserole, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
6. Add the Cheesy Topping
To finish off, sprinkle 1½ cups of grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheddar will melt and create a bubbly, golden topping that ties the whole dish together.
7. Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Let it Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
- Customize the sauce: Add some extra spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for an extra kick.
- Use different cheeses: Feel free to mix and match cheeses. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or even provolone can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef with a meat substitute or add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just your average baked pasta dish. It combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying heartiness of spaghetti with a luxuriously creamy cheese filling. The buttered noodles add richness, while the tangy sauce and savory beef make this a dish that truly feels like a special treat.
Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when you simply want to indulge, this casserole is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen, making it a versatile recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!