Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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Introduction

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a hearty family meal. This recipe combines savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and hearty pasta into a rich, satisfying casserole that’s sure to be a hit at any table. With its layers of flavor and gooey, melted cheese, this dish lives up to its name, offering a taste that feels like a million dollars.

Ingredients

  • For the Casserole:
    • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
    • 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
    • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup sour cream
    • 1 cup cottage cheese
    • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
    • 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
    • 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Spaghetti:
    • Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Cook Ground Beef:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
    • Add the spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the ground beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs if desired.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  5. Assemble the Casserole:
    • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the melted butter until well coated.
    • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the buttered spaghetti evenly across the bottom.
    • Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti in an even layer.
    • Top with the meat sauce mixture, spreading it evenly over the cheese layer.
    • Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the meat sauce layer, spreading it out evenly.
    • Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake the Casserole:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  7. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.

History

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a modern American comfort food, inspired by classic spaghetti dishes and casseroles. Its origins are rooted in the tradition of combining pasta with cheese and meat sauces into a hearty, oven-baked meal. The addition of cream cheese and cottage cheese gives it a luxurious, creamy texture that distinguishes it from more basic pasta casseroles.

Benefits

  • Comfort Food: Offers a rich and creamy texture with familiar, comforting flavors.
  • One-Pan Meal: Combines protein, pasta, and cheese into one dish, making meal preparation easier.
  • Family-Friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 8 servings)

  • Calories: Approximately 450
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 5g

Reasons to Make It

  • Ease of Preparation: Simple to assemble and bake, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich Flavor: Combines multiple layers of flavor and texture, from the cheesy, creamy layer to the savory meat sauce.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a group or making ahead for meal prep.

New Tips and Methods

  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the meat sauce for added nutrition.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
  • Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
  • Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole—an indulgent, comforting meal that’s sure to be a favorite!

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