Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside. - Cook Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. - Add Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes:
Stir in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, mixing well with the cooked beef. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter. Mix until smooth and well-blended. - Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Top the noodles with the cream cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour the meat sauce over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Layer the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the meat sauce.
- Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. It’s a meal the whole family will love and is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
