Fried Catfish & Million Dollar Spaghetti

The ultimate Southern-meets-Italian comfort feast. Crispy golden catfish on the side of a rich, cheesy, baked spaghetti casserole that tastes like pure luxury without the price tag. This duo feeds a crowd and hits every craving.

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FRIED CATFISH

Crispy, seasoned, and tender inside—classic fish-fry style.

📋 ingredients:

• 4–6 catfish fillets

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp cayenne

• Salt & black pepper

• Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)

🥣 directions:

soak the fish

Place fillets in buttermilk for 20–30 minutes to tenderize and help the coating stick.

mix the dredge

Combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

coat & fry

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Dredge fillets in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat.

Fry 3–5 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crispy.

Drain on a rack or paper towels.

serve

Hit with a squeeze of lemon and serve hot.

💡 fish-fry tips:

• Add hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicy kick

• Keep finished fillets warm in a 200°F oven

• Catfish can be swapped for whiting or tilapia

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MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI

Creamy, cheesy, meaty—this baked pasta is a crowd pleaser every single time.

📋 ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• Butter for greasing the dish

🥣 directions:

cook the pasta

Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.

brown the beef

Cook beef with onion and garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in marinara and tomato paste. Simmer 5 minutes.

mix the creamy layer

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage/ricotta, and sour cream until smooth.

assemble

Grease a baking dish with butter.

Layer:

Half the spaghetti

All the creamy cheese mixture

Remaining spaghetti

All the meat sauce

Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

serve

Let rest 10 minutes before cutting makes perfect slices.