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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole – Ultimate Family Comfort Food

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole – Ultimate Family Comfort Food

Description

Welcome, dear food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the rich and creamy world of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a dish that brings a luxurious touch to a budget-friendly meal. With layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce, it’s easy to see why this dish is called the “Million Dollar Spaghetti.” Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will soon become one of your favorites!

Ingredients

Scale

 

  • 12 ounces of spaghetti noodles (cooked and drained)
  • 1 pound of ground beef (substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 pound of Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy based on preference)
  • 24 ounces of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup of cottage cheese (can be substituted with ricotta cheese)
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Optional Substitutions:

  • Pasta: Swap out the spaghetti noodles for ziti or rigatoni for a fun twist.
  • Cheese: Use ricotta in place of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Meat: Combine beef with turkey or use pork sausage for added flavor.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  • Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

  • Pour the marinara sauce over the meat mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer on low for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  • In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in the bottom of the dish.
  • Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  • Add the remaining noodles over the cheese mixture.

Step 6: Top with Meat Sauce and Cheese

  • Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of noodles and spread it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Equipment

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and onions will enhance the flavor of your sauce.
  • Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta (al dente) as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Add Herbs: Sprinkle in some fresh basil or parsley to brighten up the flavor profile.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole-ultimate-family-comfort-food/