Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Indulge in the comfort of a Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a delightful fusion of spaghetti, rich cheese, and a homemade meat sauce that’s not only budget-friendly but also easy to prepare. This hearty dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

8 oz package of spaghetti
1 lb lean ground beef
16 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
½ cup butter, sliced (divided)
8 oz container cottage cheese
8 oz package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
8 oz package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 12 minutes. Drain well.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking and stirring until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Mix the cooked beef with the spaghetti sauce in a bowl.

4. Layer the Casserole:

Spread half of the butter slices evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter.
In a separate bowl, blend the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Spread this mixture over the spaghetti in the dish.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the remaining butter slices.
Pour the ground beef and sauce mixture over the top, spreading it into an even layer.

5. Bake:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 15 minutes more.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich, comforting layers of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!

This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.