Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole delivers comfort and luxury in one hearty dish. Layers of pasta, creamy cheese, and rich meat sauce create a memorable meal that will satisfy hungry families and impress dinner guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
- 1 (8 oz/226 g) package spaghetti
Dairy Products:
- 1 (8 oz/226 g) container cottage cheese
- 1 (8 oz/226 g) package softened cream cheese
- 1 (8 oz/226 g) package shredded sharp cheddar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter (divided into slices)
Sauce:
- 1 (16 oz/454 g) jar spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and ensuring no pink remains.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the beef, stirring to create a rich, well-combined meat sauce.
- Create a luscious cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with cottage cheese or ricotta until smooth and creamy.
- Generously coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with softened butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti across the buttered dish, spreading it evenly to create the first pasta foundation.
- Spread the entire cream cheese mixture over the first spaghetti layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cream cheese layer, creating a second pasta stratum.
- Dot the top layer with additional butter pieces for extra richness and golden browning.
- Carefully pour the prepared meat sauce over the entire casserole, making sure it covers all surfaces.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the edges begin to bubble.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, then return to oven for an additional 15 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Butter acts as a secret weapon, creating a crispy, golden bottom layer that adds unexpected richness to every bite.
- Mixing cream cheese and cottage cheese creates a luxurious, velvety middle layer that melts beautifully into the pasta.
- Ground beef transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing hearty protein and deep, savory flavor.
- Cheddar cheese topping provides a sharp, tangy finish that elevates the entire casserole’s taste profile.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes helps set the layers, making it easier to serve and preventing burning hot bites.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg