Million Dollar Spaghetti is a spaghetti casserole with layers of noodles, cheese, and homemade meat sauce. It’s budget friendly, easy to make, and a meal the whole family will love.
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
How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Transfer to a bowl and mix in spaghetti sauce.
Place 1/2 of the butter slices into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread 1/2 of the spaghetti into the dish.
Mix cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream together in a bowl; spread mixture over spaghetti. Cover with remaining spaghetti and top with remaining slices of butter.
Pour ground beef mixture over spaghetti and spread in an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Spread Cheddar cheese on top and continue baking until cheese has melted and is lightly browned, about 15 minutes more.
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together layers of flavorful ingredients to create a memorable meal. Here’s how to develop this recipe and highlight its appeal:
Quality Ingredients:
Begin by selecting high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Opt for lean ground beef, a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce, and quality cheeses including sharp Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. These ingredients come together to create rich layers of flavor and creamy texture.
**Layered Assembly:**
The key to the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is its layered assembly. Start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente and preparing the ground beef in a savory sauce. Layer the cooked spaghetti in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, followed by a mixture of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream for a creamy and indulgent filling. Top the layers with remaining spaghetti and slices of butter for added richness.
Homemade Meat Sauce
The homemade meat sauce adds depth and flavor to the casserole. Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles, and then mix it with your preferred spaghetti sauce. This savory sauce infuses the spaghetti layers with robust flavor and makes every bite delicious.
baking Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure even cooking. Bake the assembled casserole for 30 minutes until heated through. Then, sprinkle shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over the top and continue baking until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, adding a delicious golden finish to the dish.
**Presentation and Serving:**
Once baked to perfection, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven, with its layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce creating a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
In conclusion, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a budget-friendly, easy-to-make dish that brings together layers of noodles, cheese, and homemade meat sauce for a delicious and comforting meal. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and satisfying texture, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.