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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Begin by boiling the spaghetti according to the package directions. You want it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.

Prepare the meat sauce.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Mix the creamy layers.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Blend them until smooth, creating a rich and creamy layer that will give the casserole its "million-dollar" texture.

Assemble the casserole.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish generously. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom of the dish. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti evenly, then top with the remaining half of the spaghetti.

Add the meat sauce.

Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Spread it evenly using a spatula.

Top with cheeses.

Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.

Bake it to perfection.

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

Let it rest.

After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to settle and makes serving easier.

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?