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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture, and gooey melted mozzarella. This hearty casserole combines rich marinara, Italian spices, and a perfect blend of cheeses for a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 3 cups marinara sauce, divided

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Kosher salt, to taste (for pasta water)

Cheese Mixture

  • 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the meat mixture with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti slightly under al dente by boiling it for approximately 3 minutes less than the package directions recommend, so it has a firm texture after baking. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with 1 cup of marinara sauce to coat it and prevent sticking.
  3. Make cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  4. Layer ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sauced spaghetti evenly. Spoon and spread the cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Top this with the remaining spaghetti, followed by the prepared meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the top.
  5. Add mozzarella and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  6. Optional broil for crispiness: For a crispier and golden cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
  7. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti!

Notes

  • For best results, do not overcook the spaghetti during boiling; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or pre-shredded for convenience.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking directly from cold.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/million-dollar-spaghetti-recipe/