Million dollar spaghetti is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a popular Italian-American recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is no wonder why it is loved by so many. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and it is easy to make, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
To make million dollar spaghetti, you will need a few basic ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry or at your local grocery store. You will need spaghetti, ground beef, tomato sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, onion, and shredded cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly.
Why I love this meal:
- Family Friendly – The perfect marriage between a spaghetti pie and a classic lasagna. The entire family enjoys this easy casserole.
- Budget Friendly – Feeds a big group with inexpensive ingredients. What else could you want?
- Delicious – It truly tastes like a million bucks! You better make a lot because everyone will be coming back for more!
Here is what you need to make Million Dollar Spaghetti:
Tools:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (24oz.) jar marinara sauce, divided
- 1 (8oz.) package cream cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 pkg. (16 oz.) spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Make Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet cook and crumble the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Remove grease.
Add onions and cook for a few minutes until onion is translucent.
Add all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce (reserve 1/2 cup for later) to the mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
Prepare noodles:
Cook Spaghetti according to package instructions, just until “al dent”. Drain, and place hot spaghetti back in the pan you cooked it in.
Add butter and 1/2 cup reserved marinara sauce and toss to combine.
Make Cheese layer:
Combine cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl and mix well.
Assemble:
Using cooking spray; spray 9 x 13 baking dish.
Pour HALF of the spaghetti noodles into a 9×13’’ baking dish, spread out evenly.
Spread cheese layer on top of the spaghetti noodles.
Top with remaining spaghetti noodles, spreading out evenly.
Add meat sauce on top and smooth into an even layer.
Bake:
Cook for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Take out of oven and add grated cheese, spreading it all over the top. Return to oven and cook for 10 more minutes.
When done wait at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving, to allow it to set up. Enjoy!
Notes:
To Make Ahead: You can prepare this spaghetti casserole 1 day ahead of time. Follow recipe instructions up to just before baking. Allow it to cool, cover it well with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Or, prep the sauce, noodles and cheese layer 1-3 days ahead of time and assemble right before baking.
To Freeze: Prepare recipe right up until the baking step. Cover well with greased aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days, then bake for about 30 minutes, covered, and then 20-25 minutes uncovered. If baking from frozen, bake covered for about 40 minutes, then uncover and bake at least 30-40 minutes longer, or until bubbly and warm. Add grated cheese the last 10 minutes of cooking.
You can serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti with garlic bread and a salad for a complete meal.
In conclusion, million dollar spaghetti is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy and cheesy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty and delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This is Renee “Doing what I Love”
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (24oz) jar marinara sauce divided
- 1 (8oz) package cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 pound package spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large skillet cook and crumble the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Remove grease.
- Add onions and cook for a few minutes until onion is translucent.
- Add all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce (reserve 1/2 cup for later) to the mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti according to package instructions, just until “al dent”. Drain, and place hot spaghetti back in the pan you cooked it in.
- Add butter and 1/2 cup reserved marinara sauce and toss to combine.
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl and mix well.
- Pour HALF of the spaghetti noodles into a 9×13’’ baking dish, spread out evenly.
- Spread cheese layer on top of the spaghetti noodles.
- Top with remaining spaghetti noodles, spreading out evenly.
- Add meat sauce on top and smooth into an even layer.
- Cook for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Take out of oven and add grated cheese, spreading it all over the top. Return to oven and cook for 10 more minutes.
- When done wait at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving, to allow it to set up. Enjoy!
Notes
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