Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to please a crowd, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This indulgent recipe combines rich layers of creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare this irresistible dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz of cream cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 pkg spaghetti (16 oz)
• Grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente (firm). Drain the noodles and set aside until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
3. Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until well blended and smooth.
4. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and combine the beef with your spaghetti sauce. Mix well.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Layer the Noodles: Place a few slices of butter in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles over the butter.
   • Add the Cheese Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly.
   • Top with Noodles: Add the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cream cheese layer. Dot with a few more slices of butter.
   • Add the Meat Sauce: Pour the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture over the top of the noodles, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, sprinkle the desired amount of grated cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Hot: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole hot from the oven. The melted cheese and creamy layers are most enjoyable when the casserole is warm.
2. Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. A sprinkle of extra grated cheese or a few cracks of black pepper can also add a nice touch.
3. Pair with Sides: This casserole pairs beautifully with a mixed green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These sides complement the rich and hearty casserole, creating a well-rounded meal.
4. Cut into Portions: To make serving easier, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to firm up slightly. This will make cutting and serving cleaner and more precise.

Storage Tips:

1. Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the casserole soggy.
2. Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent the casserole from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, you may want to freeze it in portions for easier reheating.
4. Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake covered with foil for 45-60 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
5. Avoid Overheating: When reheating, avoid overheating as it can dry out the casserole. Stirring occasionally while reheating can help distribute heat evenly.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Version:
   • Swap the Ground Beef: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers in place of the meat. This variation is great for a meat-free option without compromising on flavor.
2. Add Extra Veggies:
   • Mixed Vegetables: Incorporate chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions into the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables before mixing them into the sauce.
3. Spicy Kick:
   • Add Heat: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
4. Cheesy Variations:
   • Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan. You can also mix cheese types for a more complex flavor profile. Try adding cheese directly to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle it between layers.
5. Italian Twist:
   • Seasonings: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or dried herbs like oregano and thyme to the meat sauce for an extra boost of flavor. Fresh basil or parsley can also be added for a fresh, aromatic touch.
6. Low-Carb Version:
   • Alternative Noodles: Substitute traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or other low-carb pasta alternatives to reduce the carbohydrate content.
7. Creamy Addition:
   • Additional Creaminess: Mix a cup of ricotta cheese into the cream cheese mixture for an even creamier texture. You can also blend in some heavy cream for extra richness.
8. Southwestern Style:
   • Southwestern Flair: Add corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the meat sauce. Top with shredded cheddar and serve with a side of sour cream and salsa.
9. BBQ Flavored:
   • BBQ Twist: Incorporate barbecue sauce into the meat sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. Use less spaghetti sauce if adding BBQ sauce to avoid overpowering the dish.
10. Herbed Version:
    • Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme into the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle over the top before baking for a burst of fresh flavor.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
   • Yes, this casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. How do I reheat leftover casserole?
   • Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, you can use various cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan. Mixing different cheeses can add a unique flavor and texture to the casserole.
6. How do I make this casserole spicier?
   • To add heat, mix red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce into the meat sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
7. Can I make this dish without meat?
   • Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
8. What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
   • This casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, consider a mixed greens salad.
9. Can I use low-fat or reduced-fat ingredients?
   • Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese to make the dish lighter. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
10. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?
    • To prevent dryness, make sure to not overbake the casserole. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil during the baking process. Adding a bit of extra sauce or cheese on top before baking can also help keep it moist.