Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti. This hearty dish combines rich layers of creamy cheese, savory beef, and flavorful spaghetti sauce, topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners or potlucks, providing a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 lb cottage cheese (1 cup)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and reach the perfect temperature.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break up the beef into small crumbles with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined. This will create a rich, creamy layer for the casserole.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over the cheese mixture, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Dot the top of the meat sauce with small pieces of butter.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to start melting.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Cooking Tips
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese or add a layer of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for additional flavor.
- Spaghetti Sauce: You can use store-bought spaghetti sauce or make your own homemade version for a more personalized touch.
- Adding Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole combines the comforting flavors of classic spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy twist. The layers of cheese, savory beef, and rich sauce create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s an easy-to-make dish that requires minimal prep and can be assembled ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a dish that takes classic spaghetti to the next level. With its creamy cheese layers and savory meat sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Try it tonight and experience the ultimate in comfort food
