MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Of course! Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—it has the rich, cheesy layers of lasagna with the easy, familiar appeal of spaghetti. The name comes from it being so delicious, it tastes like a million bucks!

This recipe is incredibly simple and always a crowd-pleaser.

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MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

The secret is the creamy cheese layer that sits between the noodles and the meat sauce, making it incredibly rich and satisfying.

Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

· 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
· 1 medium onion, finely chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (about 3 cups)
· 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, for extra texture)
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

· 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
· ½ cup sour cream
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

For the Assembly:

· 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti noodles
· 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
· Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

· Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions, but only cook until al dente (firm to the bite). They will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot. Toss with a little bit of the meat sauce to prevent them from sticking.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

1. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer (or a sturdy whisk) to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the cottage cheese, sour cream, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole (The Key Step!)
This is where the “million dollar” layers are built:

1. Bottom Layer: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Million Dollar Layer: Spoon the entire creamy cheese mixture over the noodles and spread it carefully into an even layer.
3. Noodle Layer: Top with the remaining half of the spaghetti noodles.
4. Meat Sauce Layer: Pour the entire meat sauce over the top layer of noodles and spread it evenly.
5. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the top with the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and the additional ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to get golden spots.
3. Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve.

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Key Secrets for the Best Casserole

· Don’t Overcook the Noodles: This is crucial! Mushy noodles will turn to mush in the casserole. Al dente is the way to go.
· Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This is the key to a smooth, lump-free creamy layer.
· Let it Rest: The 10-15 minute resting period is not a suggestion—it’s a requirement if you want clean slices instead of a soupy mess.
· Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to doctor up the jarred sauce with extra herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of red wine when cooking the meat.

Variations & Add-Ins

· “Ultimate” Version: Add a layer of sliced pepperoni or cooked, crumbled Italian sausage under the final cheese layer.
· Vegetarian: Use a meat substitute like plant-based ground “beef” or simply load the sauce up with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
· Cottage Cheese vs. Ricotta: Both work perfectly. Ricotta is more traditional (like in lasagna), while cottage cheese gives a slightly lighter texture and tang.
· Cream Cheese Shortcut: If you forget to soften the cream cheese, you can mix the cheese layer ingredients in a food processor for a perfectly smooth result.

Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete, crowd-feeding meal that truly lives up to its name. Enjoy