Simple & Budget Friendly Million Dollar Pasta Casserole (Tastes like Lasagna)

Million Dollar Pasta Casserole 

with Garlic Bread

Originally named "Million Dollar Spaghetti", this version is simpler to make and just as tasty!

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon dried minced onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper (optional)*

24 ounces of your favorite pasta sauce

1 pound rotini, elbow or bowtie pasta

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup sour cream

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

2 teaspoons dried chives

avocado oil cooking spray**

1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter

2 - 3 cups grated cheese (mozzarella, pepper jack or a cheddar & jack mixture)

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*.

In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain and stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper & red pepper.  Stir the pasta sauce into the browned meat and set aside.

Cook the pasta, according to the package instructions, to al dente. Drain and set aside.

With an electric mixer, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese and chives. Set aside.

Lightly spray the bottom and side of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with cooking oil. Slice the butter and arrange in the bottom of the greased pan. Layer 1/2 of the pasta on top of the butter. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining noodles. Cover with the meat sauce. Place the baking pan on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. (It makes it easier to remove the baking pan if it is resting on a cookie sheet with sides.) Remove from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 

Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Cut into 12 squares and serve.

*I prefer avocado oil, but you can use whichever oil you prefer.

**If I am using pepper jack cheese, I do not add the red pepper.

Notes:

This dish earned the name of million-dollar spaghetti not because it’ll cost a fortune, but because it tastes so rich. This easy to make pasta dish is a baked casserole with layers of cheese, meat sauce, and noodles. Similar to lasagna the flavorful dinner is classic comfort food that your family will love!

If you like, the layers may be assembled a day before baking. It is a simple, budget friendly dish for a family dinner, addition to a brunch menu or potluck gathering.