Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Feast

Introduction:

Discover the rich and indulgent world of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a luxurious take on classic comfort food. This hearty dish combines the beloved flavors of lasagna and baked spaghetti, layered with creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for feeding a crowd, cozy family dinners, or when you just need something special, this recipe guides you through creating a decadent meal that lives up to its name.

Ingredients:

To create this mouthwatering casserole, you’ll need:

• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Spaghetti:
  • 16 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Water, for boiling
• For the Cheese Layer:
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no pink remains.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick and rich.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti until it is just al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring it doesn’t stick together.
3. Mix the Cheese Layer:
   • In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth. This creamy mixture will add a rich, tangy layer to the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with dollops of the cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
   • Pour half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnishing and Serving:
   • Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the baked casserole before serving. This adds a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness.
   • Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking. This rest period helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Conclusion:

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a feast for the senses, offering a sumptuous blend of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to treat your family to a special meal, this casserole promises satisfaction with every forkful. Rich, comforting, and undeniably delicious, it’s a dish that earns its luxurious name every time it’s served.