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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, layered pasta bake that combines creamy cheeses, rich meat sauce, and tender spaghetti under a bubbly cheddar topping. It delivers all the flavor of lasagna with half the effort, making it an ideal family dinner or crowd-pleasing dish.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 pound (1 cup) cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
  • 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Place several slices of butter on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the cooked spaghetti evenly over the butter.
  5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
  6. Add the remaining spaghetti on top and dot with the remaining butter slices.
  7. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
  • For extra flavor, add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
  • Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or cayenne.
  • Use mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend instead of cheddar for a milder flavor.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole/