Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well. Add the sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  4. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti

  1. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Mix with Dairy: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with sour cream and cottage cheese. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly. Top with half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
  2. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  2. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Tips for Success

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
  • Freezer Friendly: This casserole can also be frozen before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
  • Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the meat sauce, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a decadent and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With its layers of creamy cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this casserole offers a taste of comfort and indulgence in every bite. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!

This recipe should keep your visitors engaged and provide them with everything they need to create a delicious and impressive meal.

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