Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This beloved recipe lives up to its name, promising to deliver immense satisfaction to the taste buds. Imagine the comfort of spaghetti intermingling with the heartiness of a casserole, brought together in a delectable dance of flavors that will leave your mouth watering for more. The ultimate comfort food, it blends familiar pasta with rich layers of cheese, savory meat, and tangy tomato sauce.

Why I love this meal:

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole strikes a balance between comfort and indulgence, and it’s the perfect way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Each bite offers a burst of rich, cheesy goodness enveloped by hearty meat sauce and tender spaghetti. It’s a recipe that evokes warmth, and brings a smile every time it’s served.

How to Store and Reheat:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave, heating in intervals and stirring between each until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warm and bubbly.

How to Make Ahead and Freeze:

Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Spaghetti:

This spaghetti casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some garlic bread to mop up the delectable sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 lb of spaghetti
• 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of cottage cheese
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease.
4. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. While the sauce is simmering, in a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, and chopped parsley.
6. Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish, followed by the cream mixture, a layer of Cheddar cheese, then the meat sauce. Repeat the layers ending with the Mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.