This recipe provides instructions for making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a rich and comforting baked pasta dish that elevates classic spaghetti with meat sauce by adding layers of creamy cheese, often a combination of cream cheese and cottage cheese or ricotta, creating a decadent and satisfying meal. The “Million Dollar” moniker likely refers to its perceived richness and deliciousness. This casserole typically features a base of cooked spaghetti, a hearty ground meat sauce (usually beef), a creamy cheese layer, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and often Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect dish for family gatherings or potlucks, offering a satisfying and flavorful twist on a familiar favorite. The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with spaghetti that is coated in a meaty red sauce and topped with melted white and yellow cheese. The cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in places. The dish appears to be hot and freshly baked. The overall impression is of a hearty and cheesy pasta casserole.
Based on common recipes for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, the ingredients likely include:
- Spaghetti: The foundation of the casserole, typically cooked al dente.
- Ground Beef: The primary meat component of the sauce, providing a rich and savory base.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunks of tomato and more tomato flavor to the sauce.
- Onion: Diced onion is usually sautéed with the ground beef to add a foundational savory flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the aromatic profile of the sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy layer to the casserole.
- Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese: Mixed with the cream cheese, these add a creamy and slightly tangy element to the cheese layer.
- Eggs: Act as a binder for the cheese layer.
- Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, adding aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Sugar (Optional): A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Used as a generous topping that melts and becomes gooey during baking.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Sprinkled on top with the mozzarella for added flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color.
The preparation begins by cooking the spaghetti according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, the meat sauce is prepared by browning the ground beef in a large skillet with diced onion and minced garlic. Once the beef is cooked, it is drained of any excess grease, and then tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper are added. The sauce is simmered to allow the flavors to meld. In a separate bowl, the cream cheese is softened and then mixed with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese and beaten eggs. Once the spaghetti is cooked, it is often tossed with a portion of the meat sauce. The casserole is then assembled by layering the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture in a baking dish, followed by the creamy cheese layer. The remaining meat sauce is spooned over the cheese layer, and finally, it is topped with shredded mozzarella cheese (and optional Parmesan). The casserole is baked in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the entire dish is heated through. Fresh parsley can be sprinkled on top as a garnish before serving.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is best served hot, allowing the cheesy layers to be gooey and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The texture offers a combination of tender spaghetti, a rich and meaty sauce, a creamy and slightly cheesy middle layer, and a melted, often slightly browned cheese topping.
The flavor is a comforting blend of savory ground beef in a tomato-herb sauce, enriched by the creamy and slightly tangy cheese layers, with the melted mozzarella adding a classic cheesy finish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a baked pasta dish featuring layers of spaghetti, a rich meat sauce, a creamy cheese mixture (often with cream cheese and cottage cheese or ricotta), and a melted mozzarella topping.
The preparation involves cooking spaghetti, making a meat sauce, preparing a creamy cheese layer, assembling the casserole by layering these components, topping with mozzarella cheese, and baking until hot and bubbly.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes):
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (24 ounce) jar tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian herbs, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese) and the beaten eggs. Mix well until combined.
- Preheat Oven and Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients: Toss the cooked spaghetti with about half of the meat sauce. Spread this spaghetti mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your rich and satisfying Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!