Spaghetti is the ultimate baked pasta comfort dish — rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. Think of it as a perfect mix between spaghetti, lasagna, and a creamy casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast at family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
- Grated cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce.
Step 4: Start Layering
Place a few slices of butter in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti as the first layer.
Step 5: Add Cream Layer
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Step 6: Add Remaining Layers
Top with the remaining spaghetti, followed by a few more slices of butter. Then pour the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Remove from the oven, sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Best Results
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting.
- Add garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Million Dollar Spaghetti!