Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe. It’s a rich, cheesy, and decadent dish that combines spaghetti, ground beef, cream cheese, and an array of other flavorful ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish anyone can master. Read on to learn how to make the best Million Dollar Spaghetti and enjoy the perfect bite every time!

this Recipe

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta dish that combines the best elements of spaghetti and lasagna, creating a mouthwatering, creamy, and cheesy casserole. It’s called "Million Dollar" because of its incredibly rich and satisfying taste. Imagine layers of tender spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and a gooey top layer of melted goodness. It’s a dish that feels indulgent, hearty, and luxurious—hence the name!

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti – Regular spaghetti works best, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties if needed.
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – You can substitute this with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
• 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce – Pick your favorite brand, or make your own marinara sauce if you prefer a homemade touch.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor and a bit of texture to the meat sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce and adds a nice depth.
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened – This is what makes the dish so creamy and rich.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds an extra layer of creaminess and texture.
• ½ cup sour cream – Enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang to balance the flavors.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For the gooey, cheesy topping.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a salty, umami boost.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To season the sauce and pasta.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a little kick if you like your dish slightly spicy.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For garnishing and adding a fresh pop of color.
• Butter or cooking spray – To grease the baking dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a flexible recipe, and there are several ways to make substitutions or variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Meat Alternatives: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a meat-like texture.
• Cheese Alternatives: You can use cottage cheese in place of ricotta, or swap out the mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Pasta Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even a gluten-free alternative if you have dietary restrictions.
• Spice it up: If you like things spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a little hot sauce to the meat sauce.
• Make it lighter: To reduce the calorie count, you can use light cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and leaner meats.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Season and simmer the sauce: Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and well combined.
6. Layer the dish: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top the pasta with the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface. Then, layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture. Finally, pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti and spread it evenly.
7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meat sauce layer.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
9. Let it cool: Once the spaghetti is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Million Dollar Spaghetti is a simple process, but breaking it down step by step ensures success. Here’s a quick guide to get the perfect results every time:

1. Boil the pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare the meat sauce by sautéing onions, garlic, and ground beef, then adding marinara sauce and seasoning.
3. Mix the cheese layer to create the creamy middle layer of the dish.
4. Layer the ingredients in your baking dish: spaghetti, cheese mixture, spaghetti, and sauce.
5. Bake the dish until bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the spaghetti until al dente. Overcooking can make the pasta too mushy when baked.
• Skipping the resting period: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make it easier to serve.
• Not draining the meat: If you don’t drain the excess fat from the ground beef, the dish can become greasy.
• Not seasoning the cheese layer: Don’t forget to season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. This ensures every layer is flavorful.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty, filling dish, so it’s best served with lighter sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Garlic bread: A side of crispy garlic bread is the perfect complement to this rich dish.
• Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or Caesar salad to balance the heaviness of the pasta.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini make a great addition to the meal.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

When serving Million Dollar Spaghetti, cut it into squares or large wedges. Each piece will hold its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce beautifully. Use a spatula to serve and place each portion onto a plate.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Use a decorative baking dish: Serve directly from a beautiful casserole dish for a family-style presentation.
• Individual servings: For a more refined presentation, you can bake the spaghetti in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
• Freeze it: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. Prepare the dish and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Use a larger dish: If you like a crispier top, use a wider baking dish to spread the ingredients more thinly, which allows for more surface area to get golden and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Q: How long does Million Dollar Spaghetti last in the fridge?
A: This dish will last up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even gouda.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Its rich layers of cheese, meat sauce, and tender pasta make every bite a delight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Be sure to try out the variations and tips provided to make it your own!

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