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This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, blending the best parts of a creamy baked pasta and a hearty lasagna into one irresistible dish. It's my secret weapon for feeding a crowd or winning over even the pickiest eaters.
I first brought this to a neighborhood potluck, and it vanished in minutes. Now, it's the most requested dish whenever we have a get together, and I'm always happy to oblige because it's so easy to put together.
Ingredients
- One pound spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that creates the perfect base for this layered casserole
- Salted water: A crucial step for seasoning the pasta from the inside out as it boils
- One pound ground beef: Using a mix of half ground beef and half Italian sausage adds an incredible depth of flavor
- One jar marinara sauce: A good quality store bought sauce is a fantastic time saver here
- One small onion diced: Finely dicing it helps it melt into the sauce creating a sweet aromatic base
- Two cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic is always best for a pungent and aromatic kick
- Salt and pepper: To taste allowing you to control the final seasoning perfectly
- Eight ounces cream cheese: Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature for a smooth lump free mixture
- One cup cottage cheese: This adds a wonderful tangy creaminess and protein you can swap for ricotta if you prefer
- One half cup sour cream: It provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other cheeses
- One teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend that brings all the classic Italian flavors together effortlessly
- One half cup grated Parmesan: Go for a block you grate yourself the flavor is miles better than the pre shredded kind
- Two cups shredded mozzarella: The ultimate cheese for that glorious gooey cheese pull we all love
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook it until it's just al dente, which is usually a minute or two less than the package directions suggest. This is so important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and you want to avoid it turning mushy. Once done, drain it well and set it aside.
- Prepare the Hearty Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat, crumble in the ground beef and the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell it be careful not to let it burn. Carefully drain off any excess grease. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This little simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan. Use a spatula or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps from the cottage cheese that’s perfectly normal and adds to the texture.
- Assemble Your Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom. Next, dollop the entire cheese mixture over the spaghetti and use the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. Top that with the remaining spaghetti. Pour the meat sauce over everything, making sure to cover the pasta from edge to edge. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and any extra Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and helps the casserole cook through without the top burning. Bake for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to get golden brown spots. Let the casserole rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before you slice into it. This step is key to letting it set up so you get clean, beautiful slices.
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That creamy cheese layer is truly the star of the show. The first time I made this, my son, who claims to hate cottage cheese, had two helpings and declared it the best "lasagna" he'd ever had. I never told him my secret, and it remains one of our favorite family meals.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers are one of the best parts of this casserole. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For reheating, you can microwave individual slices, but for the best results, I recommend placing the slices in a small baking dish, covering with foil, and warming in a 350°F oven until heated through. This keeps the cheese melty and the pasta from drying out.
Smart Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to make it your own. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If cottage cheese isn't your thing, full fat ricotta cheese is a perfect one to one replacement. Want to sneak in some veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or finely diced zucchini can be stirred right into the meat sauce for an extra nutritional boost.
Perfect Pairings
While this casserole is a full meal in itself, a few simple sides can really complete the dinner. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Of course, you can never go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread for sopping up any extra sauce on your plate. For a green vegetable, simple steamed or roasted broccoli is always a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Italian sausage (sweet or hot) adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the meat sauce. You can use all sausage or a half-and-half blend with ground beef.
- → What kind of cottage cheese is best for this casserole?
Small curd or large curd cottage cheese will both work. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese briefly before adding it to the cheese mixture.
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the unbaked casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- → How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting soggy?
Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Draining the spaghetti well is also crucial.
- → Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, it freezes well! Assemble the unbaked casserole and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- → What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese. It will provide a similar creamy texture to the casserole.