Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a decadent and cheesy baked pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! It features layers of tender spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture, and a flavorful meat sauce, all topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

  • Rich and Cheesy: This dish is a cheese lover’s dream, with layers of creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
  • Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of savory meat sauce and creamy cheese filling creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
  • Easy to Assemble: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is easy to put together, even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

  • Cooking Spray: Prevents the spaghetti and meat sauce from sticking to the pan.
  • Onion and Garlic: Add aromatic flavor to the meat sauce.
  • Ground Beef: The base of the meat sauce, providing a savory and hearty flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Enhances the flavor of the meat sauce and cheese filling.
  • Marinara Sauce: Creates a rich and flavorful sauce for the spaghetti and meat topping.
  • Spaghetti: Cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
  • Kosher Salt: Used to season the pasta water.
  • Cream Cheese and Ricotta Cheese: Create a creamy and flavorful cheese filling.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor to the cheese filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy topping.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic. Drain any excess grease. Season with Italian seasoning and marinara sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, reducing the cooking time by 3 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven. Drain and toss with marinara sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

Combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread half of the spaghetti in a greased baking dish. Top with the cheese filling, then the remaining spaghetti. Spread the meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Broil for a few minutes if desired for a crispier cheese topping. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

  • Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it will have the perfect texture after baking.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the meat sauce is spread evenly in the pan to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
  • As a Main Course: This Million Dollar Spaghetti is hearty and satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.
  • With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
  • With Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This spaghetti can be frozen before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes, such as penne or rotini.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or a blend of Italian cheeses for the filling.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the spaghetti a day ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti. I hope you enjoy it!

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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: main dishes
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a decadent and cheesy baked pasta dish that’s sure to be a family favorite. It features layers of spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture with ricotta and cream cheese, a rich meat sauce, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Kosher salt, to taste (for pasta water)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat and brown meat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess grease. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 2 cups marinara sauce. Set aside.
  2. Cook pasta: Cook spaghetti in salted water until slightly undercooked (3 minutes less than al dente). Drain and toss with 1 cup marinara sauce.
  3. Make cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and remaining Italian seasoning.
  4. Layer ingredients: In the prepared dish, layer half the spaghetti, the cheese mixture, remaining spaghetti, and then the meat sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top, if desired.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Be sure to undercook the spaghetti slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
  • You can use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 620kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1150mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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