Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture, all baked to perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners and potlucks, offering layers of deliciousness that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package spaghetti
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (16-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• ½ cup butter, sliced – divided
• 1 (8-ounce) container cottage cheese
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

1. Cook Spaghetti:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
• Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

1. Prepare Beef Sauce:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook and stir the ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.
• Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and mix in the spaghetti sauce.

1. Layer the Casserole:

• Place half of the butter slices into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Spread half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter slices.
• In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until well combined. Spread this cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer.
• Cover the cheese mixture with the remaining spaghetti and top with the remaining butter slices.

1. Add Beef Sauce:

• Pour the ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the layered spaghetti in the casserole dish. Spread it into an even layer.

1. Bake:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

1. Add Cheddar Cheese:

• After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven.
• Spread the shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
• Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

1. Serve:

• Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Cheese Mixture: For a smoother cheese mixture, blend the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream in a food processor before spreading it over the spaghetti.
• Add-Ins: Customize your casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef sauce.
• Butter: Ensure the butter is evenly distributed to prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish and to add extra flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy this decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal!