Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Introduction
Are you looking for a hearty and delicious meal that your whole family will love? Look no further! The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a cheesy, creamy delight that combines all the best flavors of spaghetti in one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is a real winner! It’s filled with ground beef, creamy cheeses, and layers of spaghetti. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples. It’s easy to throw together, and the result is a warm and comforting dish. You can even prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 lb cottage cheese (1 cup)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 12 oz spaghetti (cooked and drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Don’t forget to drain excess fat!
- Add the spaghetti sauce to the browned beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
- Pour half of the meat sauce over the cream cheese layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Serve this casserole right from the baking dish for a comforting family meal. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You can add extra cheese on top if you like more cheesiness!
How to Store Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so good!), let the casserole cool down completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to get a smoother blend.
- Feel free to add some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative to beef.
Variation
For a twist, try adding Italian sausage or using different cheeses! You can mix in some spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. Can I freeze the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole? Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. How do I reheat leftovers? You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, just be sure to cover it to avoid drying out.
Enjoy making this delightful casserole and watch everyone come back for seconds!