Description

When you think of comfort food that satisfies both the body and soul, pasta often comes to mind. Now, imagine combining the heartiness of baked spaghetti with layers of creamy cheese and rich meat sauce. Enter the Million Dollar Spaghetti, a casserole that truly lives up to its name. With every bite, you’ll feel like you’ve struck gold, experiencing a blend of flavors that brings indulgence to the table. This dish is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home when you're craving something that feels luxurious but is incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• The ingredients for this recipe are simple, yet they come together in a way that will leave everyone asking for seconds. You’ll need:
• 1 pound of spaghetti
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 jar of spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Butter (for greasing the pan and adding richness to the dish)
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper (to taste)

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
2. Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Season and add spaghetti sauce, simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
5. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and layer half of the spaghetti.
6. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti, then add the remaining spaghetti.
7. Pour meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top if desired.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Conclusion

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a spicier kick. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach in place of the meat. You can also elevate the dish by adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to the cheese mixture or sprinkling them on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness.

If you're a fan of extra cheesy casseroles, consider adding a layer of ricotta cheese or even sprinkling some sharp cheddar into the mix for an additional depth of flavor. Finally, to make this dish even heartier, you can add a layer of cooked vegetables like bell peppers or onions for texture and nutrition.

Million Dollar Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a comfort food experience that delivers a combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory in every bite. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, as it reheats beautifully. The layers of pasta, rich cheese, and flavorful meat sauce make this dish a surefire hit for any occasion.

Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe's straightforward process and irresistible outcome will make it a regular in your kitchen rotation. After all, who wouldn’t want to serve up a dish that makes you feel like you’ve hit the culinary jackpot?