There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty pasta bake. The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole takes this comfort food to the next level with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness intermingled with robust marinara and savory ground beef. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
½ cup butter, sliced – divided
1 (8 ounce) container cottage cheese
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until it is al dente, which typically takes about 12 minutes. The pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and mix in the jar of spaghetti sauce. This creates a rich, flavorful meat sauce that will be one of the layers in your casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Place half of the butter slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. The butter helps prevent the spaghetti from sticking and adds a luscious layer of flavor.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the butter slices in the dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well blended. This creamy mixture adds a luxurious texture and taste to the casserole.
Spread the cheese mixture over the layer of spaghetti in the dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Add the Remaining Layers
Place the remaining half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
Top this layer with the remaining butter slices, spreading them evenly over the spaghetti.
Pour the ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the top layer of spaghetti. Spread it out to create an even layer.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking time allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to heat through.
After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese on top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set.
Serve hot, scooping out portions to reveal the delicious layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese, and savory meat sauce.
Variations and Tips:
Meat Substitutes:
For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach or use a meatless ground beef alternative.
Extra Veggies:
Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce.
Different Cheeses:
Try mixing up the cheeses. Mozzarella and Parmesan can be used along with or instead of Cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
Use garlic powder or onion powder in the cheese mixture for added depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead and Freezing:
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
It also freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Conclusion:
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. With its rich, creamy layers and hearty meat sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this classic casserole and the joy it brings to your dining experience.