If you’re a fan of traditional spaghetti and love experimenting with new recipes, then you’re in for a treat with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This mouthwatering dish takes the beloved flavors of spaghetti and elevates them to a whole new level. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and rich meat sauce, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step and explore the reasons why this casserole is worth every penny.
Elevating the Flavors of Traditional Spaghetti
Spaghetti is a timeless classic loved by people of all ages. Whether it’s a comforting weeknight meal or a dish for special occasions, spaghetti never fails to satisfy our cravings. But what if we told you there’s a way to make it even better? Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole takes the essence of spaghetti and adds layers of creamy goodness and melted cheese to create a taste that truly feels like a million dollars.
The key to this casserole’s success lies in the combination of ingredients. The creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese provides a velvety texture that perfectly complements the savory meat sauce. The addition of grated cheddar cheese on top adds a delightful touch of gooey goodness that will have you reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delectable Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole at home.
How to make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients need for this casserole:
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz of cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 package of spaghetti (16 oz)
- Grated cheddar cheese
Step by step instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Boil the spaghetti noodles until al dente (firm), according to the package instructions.
Drain the noodles and set them aside until ready to assemble the casserole.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix them together until well blended, creating a creamy and smooth mixture.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Once done, drain the excess fat. Add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked ground beef and mix well, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a few slices of butter. Place half of the cooked spaghetti noodles into the pan, creating the first layer.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the noodles and spread it evenly to cover the surface.
Add the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cream cheese layer, forming the second layer. Place a few more slices of butter on the noodles to enhance the richness of the casserole.
Pour the spaghetti and meat sauce over the second layer of noodles, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the desired amount of grated cheddar cheese on top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the cheese is golden and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute if you prefer.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply follow the recipe instructions until step 9, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the covering and proceed with step 10.
What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can complement it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a more satisfying dining experience.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz of cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese equals 1 cup
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 1 pkg spaghetti 16 oz
- Grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°. Boil your spaghetti noodles until al dente (firm). Drain and set aside until ready to assemble.
- Combine the cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese until well blended.
- Brown your hamburger and when done, drain well. Combine the hamburger with your spaghetti sauce.
- Put a few slices of butter into a 9×13 pan then pour half of your spaghetti noodles on top.
- Take your cream cheese mixture and pour on top of the noodles. Spread well over noodles.
- Pour the rest of the noodles on top of the cream cheese mixture. Put a few more slices of butter on top of the noodles.
- Pour your spaghetti and meat sauce on top of your noodles.
- Now it is ready to put into the oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour the desired amount of grated cheese on top and return to the oven for 15 minutes to allow cheese to me
