Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

🥘 Ingredients

This incredibly easy spaghetti casserole only requires 12 basic ingredients. If you are not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with equal amounts of ricotta cheese.

• Spaghetti Noodles - 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles that are cooked, drained, and rinsed in cool water.
• Spaghetti Sauce - 48 ounces of spaghetti sauce divided into two equal portions.
• Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
• Yellow Onion - 1 cup of chopped yellow onion.
• Garlic - 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
• Italian Sausage - 1-1½ pounds of sweet Italian sausage with the casing removed. You can also use mild or hot Italian sausage if preferred.
• Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning that is divided into two equal portions.
• Cream Cheese - 8 ounces of cream cheese softened and at room temperature. You could also use a cream cheese substitute if desired. 
• Cottage Cheese - 8 ounces of cottage cheese, or you can use ricotta cheese. Take a look at all of these cottage cheese substitutes for more ideas.
• Sour Cream - ¼ cup of sour cream or use a sour cream substitute.
• Mozzarella - 3 cups of mozzarella that's grated, divided into 1 cup and 2 cup portions.
• Butter - ½ cup of butter sliced into ½ tablespoon pats, then divided into two equal portions. You can also use a butter substitute. Keep in mind that by using any substitute, you may get different results.  

🔪 How To Make A Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

One of the best things about this casserole is that it's so easy to prepare, whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen!

You'll need measuring cups, measuring spoons, a grater set, a silicone spatula set, a large stockpot, a colander, and a 9x13 baking pan.

This recipe will yield around 12 hearty servings! There's plenty for a large crowd to enjoy, plus you might even have some tasty leftovers for lunch the next day.

Cook Pasta & Prepare Casserole Ingredients

1. Preheat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta. Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles. Cook pasta according to package instructions minus about 1-2 minutes for the perfect al dente texture.
3. Drain pasta. Drain into a colander and return the cooked pasta to your pot. Add the first 1 jar or 24 ounces (3 cups) of 48 ounces of spaghetti sauce and combine. Set aside.
4. Saute. Bring a large skillet to medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 cup of yellow onion and saute until it begins to soften about 3 minutes. Add the 1 tablespoon of garlic and continue sauteing for an additional 30 seconds to a minute.
5. Brown sausage - Add 1-1½ pounds of sweet Italian sausage and the first half of the 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning to the skillet, and cook until browned with no remaining pink. Drain the excess grease. Add the second 1 jar of 48 ounces of spaghetti sauce. Stir to combine and set aside.
6. Combine cheese. Mash the softened 8 ounces of cream cheese so it will blend well with the additional cheese-filling ingredients. Once smooth, add the 8 ounces of cottage cheese, ¼ cup of sour cream, the first 1 cup of 3 cups of mozzarella, and the remaining half of the 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Assemble the Casserole & Bake

1. Arrange casserole. Arrange half of the ½ cup butter slices in the bottom of your 9x13 baking dish. Place half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish, then evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture on top of the pasta.
2. Finish adding ingredients. Spread the remaining second half of the spaghetti over the cheese mixture. Then, place the remaining butter slices on top. Pour tomato meat sauce evenly over the top layer of spaghetti.
3. Bake casserole. Top with remaining mozzarella and bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until casserole is heated through about 40-45 minutes. *I suggest an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet under the pan to catch any drippings.

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Notes

• Salt Proportion for Cooking Spaghetti: Using 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water when cooking spaghetti is a key tip for achieving the perfect taste and texture. This ratio helps to season the pasta from the inside, ensuring it's flavorful throughout.
• Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese: While cottage cheese is commonly used, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of ricotta cheese. This swap can change the texture slightly, making it creamier.
• Adding Heat to the Casserole: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or diced jalapenos can elevate the dish.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is the traditional choice for this casserole, experimenting with different types of cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, can offer new flavors and textures.
• Incorporating Vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach enhances the flavor and boosts the casserole's nutritional value.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Once completely cooled, transfer any leftover spaghetti casserole to an airtight container. Store in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

After baking, allow your casserole to cool completely. If you plan on freezing individual portions, wrap each piece with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Then, place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or freezer-safe container.

Alternatively, you can freeze larger amounts in a freezer-safe baking dish with a lid for up to 3-4 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions below.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer your leftovers to a baking dish. Cover loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil and cook for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through to your liking.

*If the casserole appears dry, add a bit of spaghetti sauce before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second increments.

❓ Recipe FAQs

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