Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Rich Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
Elevate your dinner game with this indulgent Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a dish that promises to be as rewarding as its name suggests.
This recipe transforms ordinary spaghetti into a decadent feast, combining layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty ground beef and a robust spaghetti sauce. It’s the perfect choice for a comforting family meal that feels like a special occasion without the fuss.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It’s also fantastic for leftovers and can be reheated beautifully, making your efforts last for more than one delicious meal.
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comfort food extravaganza that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. With every forkful, experience the creamy, cheesy textures and the savory depth of the meat sauce. It’s truly a dish worth the name!
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:
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 12 minutes; drain well.
- Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the beef until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes; drain off excess grease. Stir in the spaghetti sauce to the beef.
- Layer the Casserole: Place half of the butter slices on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter. In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream; spread this mixture over the spaghetti in the dish. Top with the remaining spaghetti and the rest of the butter slices.
- Add Beef and Bake: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the top layer of spaghetti. Spread to ensure it covers everything evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top and return to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets up nicely. This makes it easier to serve.
