Million Dollar Spaghetti

Posted by by Sara 1 year Ago 135 Views

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti:

  • 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Add the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through and the flavors have melded.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Layer

  1. Mix the cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti

  1. Layer the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and cheese mixture, then top with the rest of the meat sauce.
  2. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips:

  • For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil over the top for some extra zing!
  • Make it ahead: Million Dollar Spaghetti can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
  • Meat variations: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian option: Swap out the ground meat for a veggie-based sauce, or add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/8th of the recipe):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 500mg