Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Few dishes can compete with the indulgent, flavor-packed experience of a Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole when it comes to comforting, home-cooked meals. This delightful recipe is a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements, designed to satisfy and impress even the pickiest eaters. Below, we will guide you through each step of crafting this culinary masterpiece, ensuring your casserole is the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 24 ounces of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
For Assembly:
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the Meat Sauce
Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
Step 2: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the marinara sauce and season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Preparing the Cheese Mixture
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley (if using).
Step 2: Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Cooking the Spaghetti
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2: Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Step 3: Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
4. Assembling the Casserole
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 3: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 4: Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the meat sauce.
Step 5: Spread half of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti, using a spatula to distribute it evenly.
Step 6: Repeat the layers: spread another layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining spaghetti, and then the remaining cheese mixture.
Step 7: Top the casserole with the remaining meat sauce.
Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Baking the Casserole
Step 1: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Step 3: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is best enjoyed with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. The richness of the casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp, light salad and the crunch of garlic bread adds a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality cheese: The flavor and texture of your casserole will significantly benefit from using good-quality cheeses.
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with various sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Different Pasta: Feel free to use other types of pasta such as penne or fusilli.
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a true showstopper, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, comforting meal. Its layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta make it an unforgettable dish that everyone will love.