Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Did you know that Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is not only a beloved family favorite, but also a crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank? This budget-friendly dish combines layers of noodles, cheese, and homemade meat sauce to create a delicious and comforting meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy option for busy weeknights or a dish to impress your guests at potlucks and family gatherings, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole has got you covered. Plus, it’s so simple to make that even a novice cook can whip it up without any hassle!

So, why wait? Let’s dive into the irresistible recipe, step-by-step instructions, and serving suggestions for this amazing Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!

Ingredient List & Possible Substitutions

The success of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole lies in the combination of its key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti noodles
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Marinara sauce
• Cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Spaghetti noodles serve as the foundation of this casserole. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like ziti or rigatoni if you prefer.

For the meat component, ground beef is traditionally used. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well, and for extra flavor, you can even combine the two.

Italian sausage adds a delicious savory taste to the dish, but if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor, you can substitute it with pork sausage or a spicier variety of your choice.

Marinara sauce brings all the flavors together. You can opt for a store-bought sauce or prepare a homemade one according to your taste.

In terms of cheese, the casserole calls for cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. However, if you don’t have cream cheese on hand, ricotta cheese makes for a suitable replacement. Additionally, cottage cheese can also be substituted with ricotta cheese, offering a different texture and taste to the final dish. The amounts of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese can be adjusted based on your personal preference for cheesiness.

With these ingredients, you have the foundation for a mouthwatering Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Let’s move on to the next section to learn how to bring it all together.

How To Make It

Creating the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this delicious dish:

1. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage with onions and garlic until browned. Make sure to drain any excess grease.
3. Add the marinara sauce to the cooked meat mixture, stirring to combine all the flavors.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well blended.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, then layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles on the bottom.
7. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then add the remaining noodles on top.
8. Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of noodles and spread it out evenly.
9. Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
10. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Now that you have a complete understanding of the step-by-step instructions for creating the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you can confidently prepare this delicious and crowd-pleasing dish. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish on its own, but it can be enhanced with a few simple serving suggestions to create a complete and well-rounded meal.

A classic accompaniment to this casserole is garlic bread. You can easily make your own garlic bread by slicing a French baguette, spreading butter mixed with garlic and herbs on each slice, and toasting it in the oven until golden and crispy. If you prefer convenience, store-bought garlic bread is a great option. Simply heat it up according to the package instructions, and you’ll have a flavorful and fragrant side to enjoy with your casserole.

In addition to garlic bread, serving a side salad alongside the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole adds freshness and balance to the meal. You can opt for a simple mix of greens such as lettuce or spinach, or get creative with a more elaborate salad that incorporates various vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, along with toppings like croutons, shredded cheese, or toasted nuts. Dress the salad with your favorite dressing or a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the casserole.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize your meal according to your taste preferences. Consider adding other side dishes like roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or even a creamy coleslaw. The versatility of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole allows for endless options to suit any occasion or personal preference. Have fun exploring different combinations to create a memorable dining experience.

FAQ

Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole a family favorite?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a family favorite that is sure to please.

Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole budget-friendly?

Absolutely, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a budget-friendly recipe that uses simple and inexpensive ingredients.

Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole easy to make?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

What ingredients are needed for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

The ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole include spaghetti noodles, ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.

Can I substitute spaghetti noodles with other pasta shapes?

Absolutely, spaghetti noodles can be substituted with other pasta shapes such as ziti or rigatoni.

Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Yes, ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or a combination of both.

Can I substitute Italian sausage with other sausage varieties?

Of course, Italian sausage can be substituted with pork sausage or a spicier sausage variety.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, marinara sauce can be store-bought or homemade.

Can I replace cream cheese with another cheese?

Absolutely, cream cheese can be replaced with ricotta cheese.

Can I substitute cottage cheese with another cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese.

Can I adjust the amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheese?

Yes, the amount of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese can be adjusted based on personal preference.

How do I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

To make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside. In a skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage with onions and garlic until browned. Drain any excess grease. Add marinara sauce to the cooked meat mixture and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well blended. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles on the bottom. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then add the remaining noodles on top. Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of noodles and spread it out evenly. Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is delicious on its own, but it can be served with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. The garlic bread can be homemade or store-bought. The salad can be a simple mix of greens or a more elaborate salad with various vegetables and toppings. This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes, so feel free to get creative and customize your meal according to your taste preferences.