Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Million Dollar Spaghetti is an indulgent spaghetti casserole made with layers of pasta, creamy cheeses, and a rich homemade meat sauce. This budget-friendly dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a family dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 16-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce
- ½ cup butter, sliced (divided)
- 8-ounce container of cottage cheese
- 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 8-ounce package of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook for approximately 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Drain well.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain any excess grease and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
- Layer the casserole: Begin by placing half of the butter slices at the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
- Mix the cheeses: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Spread this mixture over the layer of spaghetti in the dish.
- Add the remaining spaghetti: Place the rest of the spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture and cover with the remaining butter slices.
- Top with meat sauce: Pour the ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the entire casserole, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add the cheese topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers of this delicious casserole!
