Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Ingredients

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s proceed to make this delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the cooked noodles and set them aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Add Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, combining them with the cooked ground beef. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and unsalted butter until well combined.
7. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture over the noodles.
8. Add Meat Sauce: Pour the meat sauce over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
9. Add More Spaghetti: Layer the remaining spaghetti noodles over the meat sauce.
10. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole, covering it completely.
11. Bake in the Oven: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and flavor.

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use different types of pasta in this recipe. Penne, rigatoni, or macaroni are excellent alternatives to spaghetti.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven following the same instructions.
3. Can I freeze the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole? Yes, this casserole is freezer-friendly. After assembling the casserole, cover it well with foil or freezer-safe wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. The casserole will still turn out delicious.
5. Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Certainly! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
6. What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole? This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
7. Is this casserole spicy? No, this particular recipe is not spicy. However, if you prefer some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat sauce.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or Gouda, for a unique flavor profile.
9. How do I reheat leftovers? To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
10. Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta to make this casserole gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a true comfort food, boasting layers of tender spaghetti, a rich and creamy cheese mixture, and a flavorful meat sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps outlined in this article, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the delightful taste of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and personal preference. Feel free to adapt this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole to suit your taste and dietary requirements.