Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of spaghetti, creamy cheese, and savory ground beef. This indulgent casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a filling and satisfying meal. It's called "Million Dollar" for its decadent combination of ingredients that come together to create a truly luxurious dish.
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
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the spaghetti into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the butter slices over the spaghetti. Spread the cheese mixture over the buttered spaghetti. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer and top with the remaining butter slices.
Step 5: Add Beef and Cheese Topping
Pour the ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the spaghetti. Sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Step 7: Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Cooking Note:
- Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and you want to avoid it becoming too soft.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Spaghetti Sauce: Choose a high-quality spaghetti sauce for the best flavor. You can also use marinara sauce as an alternative.
- Meat Variations: You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef, or use a combination.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses, for a different flavor profile.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (varies based on the serving size and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 20-25g per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on the spaghetti sauce and cheese used
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for when you need a comforting and filling meal. It combines classic spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy twist that makes it stand out from the usual pasta dishes. This casserole is sure to become a favorite for its delicious taste and ease of preparation.
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