Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Cook Spaghetti:

• Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

1. Cook Meat:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) along with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.

1. Prepare Cheese Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, begin by layering half of the cooked spaghetti.
• Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, then drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture over the top.
• Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

1. Bake:

• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

1. Serve:

• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the meat layer.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!