1. Introduction to the Dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved comfort food that combines the rich flavors of a classic spaghetti dish with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a baked casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with a hearty, satisfying meal.
2. Ingredients
To make this casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
3. Preparing the Spaghetti
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once the spaghetti is done, drain it and set it aside.
4. Cooking the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
5. Adding the Marinara Sauce
Once the ground beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Preparing the Creamy Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well blended. This mixture will add a rich, creamy layer to your casserole.
7. Layering the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To assemble the casserole, start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
8. Adding the Meat Sauce
Next, pour half of the meat sauce over the creamy cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the meat sauce layer.
9. Finishing the Layers
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the final spaghetti layer. Spread it out so that it covers the spaghetti completely. This will help to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
10. Adding the Cheeses
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Follow this with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses will create a delicious, golden-brown crust as the casserole bakes.
11. Adding the Butter
Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and dot them evenly over the top of the casserole. The butter will melt as the casserole bakes, adding richness and helping to create a beautiful, crispy top layer.
12. Baking the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
13. Letting It Rest
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
14. Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. You can also garnish it with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
15. Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or cover the entire casserole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish also freezes well, making it a convenient option for make-ahead meals.
Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!
