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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!