Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Get ready, for an adventure with our Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This exquisite Italian dish tells a story of flavors and pure indulgence. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles mingling with ground beef or Italian sausage all accompanied by a heavenly blend of creamy cheeses. As it bakes to perfection the tantalizing aroma fills your home creating an atmosphere of anticipation. When you take that first bite it's like hitting the ultimate foodie jackpot! So gather your loved ones, around the table. Treat yourselves to this delight that will surely become a cherished family tradition. This recipe is truly priceless offering a taste experience that will transport your taste buds to food heaven!
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 package of spaghetti noodles cooked according to package directions
- 1 pound of ground beef or ground Italian sausage or a combination of both
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce your choice of flavor
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 8 ounces of cream cheese softened
- 1 cup of cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1/2 cup of butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles as, per the instructions on the package until they're firm to the bite. Once cooked drain them. Set them aside.
- Next in a skillet cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) over medium heat until it is fully browned. Remove any fat. Set the meat aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl combine the cream, cream cheese and cottage cheese (or ricotta) until they are thoroughly mixed.
- Take a 9x13 inch baking pan. Place small pieces of butter at the bottom.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles on top of the butter.
- Evenly spread the cheese mixture over this layer of spaghetti noodles.
- Add another layer of remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cheese mixture.
- Place a few pieces of butter on this top layer of spaghetti noodles.
- Spoon over it the meat and spaghetti sauce mixture evenly.
- Bake this casserole in your preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Once 30 minutes have passed, sprinkle your desired amount of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 10 minutes or so until you see that the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Remove from your oven. Let it cool off before serving.
Notes
To make the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole gluten free you can follow these ingredient substitutions:
Switch to gluten spaghetti noodles of regular ones. Look for options made from rice, corn, quinoa or other free flours. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, as per the package instructions.
Ensure that the spaghetti sauce you choose is labeled as gluten free or prepare your marinara sauce using gluten-free ingredients.
Check for cream cheese and cottage cheese containers with a gluten-free label or consider using gluten free ricotta cheese as an alternative.
Opt for ground beef or Italian sausage that is specifically labeled as gluten free to avoid any additives containing gluten that might be present in meat products.
Purchase freshly Shredded Parmesan cheese that is certified as being free from gluten or grate your own from a block of Parmesan known to be without any traces of wheat protein.