Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

 

Ingredients:

- 1 pound ground beef

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 24 ounces marinara sauce

- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

- 1/4 cup sour cream

- 1 cup cottage cheese

- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles

- 2 tablespoons butter

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.

3. Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes.

4. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Beat until smooth and creamy.

6. Mix half the mozzarella and parmesan cheese into the cream cheese mixture.

7. Place the drained spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Dot with pieces of butter.

8. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.

9. Pour the meat sauce over the cheese layer and spread evenly.

10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.

11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.

12. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Variations & Tips:

- Lighten it up: Substitute ground turkey for the beef, and use low-fat cheese options.

- Make-ahead magic: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and just bake it when you're ready.

- Go green: Mix in some spinach with the meat sauce for additional nutrients.

- Tangle of textures: For a fun twist, substitute the spaghetti with another type of pasta like penne or rigatoni.

Whether it's planning ahead for a busy week or simply needing some old-fashioned comfort, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a surefire crowd-pleaser, and it’s worth every pretend penny!