Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and indulgent dish that combines pasta, creamy cheeses, and savory meat sauce. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe to create this delicious meal.
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
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil Pasta:
- 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.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Spaghetti Sauce:
- Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Mix Cheeses:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer Spaghetti:
- Place half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Dot with half of the butter slices.
- Add Cheese Mixture:
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
- Add Remaining Spaghetti:
- Place the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture and dot with the remaining butter slices.
- Top with Meat Sauce:
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti layers.
- Add Cheddar Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a cheese blend can be great additions.
- Spaghetti: Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if preferred.
Variations
Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Add Heat:
- Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Meatless Option:
- Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Extra Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Cheese Lovers:
- Add an extra layer of shredded mozzarella cheese between the spaghetti layers for an even cheesier casserole.
Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad
- Salad:
- Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
With Garlic Bread
- Bread:
- Pair with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for a complete meal.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Vegetables:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
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 oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What if I don’t have cottage cheese? A: You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese in the cheese mixture.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and tender spaghetti, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your loved ones!
