Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that combines the best of spaghetti and a rich, cheesy casserole. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses. This indulgent and comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave a comforting meal. In this blog post, we’ll share a delightful recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, providing a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to make your cooking experience a breeze. Prepare yourself for a truly satisfying and unforgettable culinary delight.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked spaghetti and set it aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Create the cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the greased baking dish. Dot the spaghetti with half of the butter. Next, spread the entire cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. Top the cheese mixture with the remaining cooked spaghetti and dot it with the remaining butter. Finally, pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, ensuring it covers the entire dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If desired, broil for a few additional minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Slice into portions and serve warm.