Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Family-Approved Delight!
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This dish is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness that brings families together around the dinner table. It's loaded with layers of spaghetti, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 16 oz spaghetti
- Grated cheddar cheese to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start your oven at 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth. This will be your creamy layer.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce until well combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place slices of butter at the bottom of the dish for added flavor.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top, followed by the remaining spaghetti and a few more butter slices.
- Add the Meat Sauce: Pour the cooked meat sauce over the layered spaghetti.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Top with Cheese: After 30 minutes, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Rest: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture.