Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti

An Indulgent Twist on a Classic: Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of traditional spaghetti and elevates them with a creamy, cheesy twist that’s truly indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at its Finest: This dish combines the heartiness of classic spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy layer that adds an extra dimension of flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: Using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this recipe is both convenient and budget-friendly.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite cheeses or add in vegetables for a nutritious twist.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Frying pan for browning beef
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz of cream cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 package spaghetti (16 oz)
• Grated cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil your spaghetti noodles until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
4. In a frying pan, brown the ground beef. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and combine with the spaghetti sauce.
5. In your 9×13 inch baking dish, place a few slices of butter, then layer half of the spaghetti noodles on top.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the noodles evenly.
7. Add the remaining noodles on top of the cream cheese layer, followed by more slices of butter.
8. Pour the beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles.
9. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
10. After 30 minutes, sprinkle the desired amount of grated cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly with the sour cream and cottage cheese.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the oven, so al dente is perfect.
• For a crispy top, broil the dish for the last few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Add Vegetables: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Change up the Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: approximately 450 kcal, Protein: 20g, Carbohydrates: 50g, Fat: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly and freezing.
• What can I serve with this dish? A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this hearty pasta bake.

Conclusion

Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a standout meal. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how it turned out and any creative variations you tried!