Million Dollar Spaghetti is a decadent and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This dish features layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and savory herbs, all baked to perfection. Despite its name, you don’t need a million dollars to make this dish; it’s affordable and easy to prepare. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Additional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it with olive oil and salt to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare the Cheese Layer:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Dish:
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining spaghetti over the cheese layer.
- Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
6. Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Spaghetti:
Spaghetti is a type of pasta that is long, thin, and cylindrical. It is a staple in Italian cuisine and is made from durum wheat semolina. Spaghetti is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sauces and toppings.
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is a staple protein in many dishes. It is made from finely chopped or ground beef and is rich in protein and essential nutrients. In this recipe, ground beef adds flavor and texture to the meat sauce.
Cream Cheese:
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese made from cream and milk. It is often used in baking and cooking to add creaminess and richness to dishes. In this recipe, cream cheese adds a creamy layer to the Million Dollar Spaghetti.
Mozzarella Cheese:
Mozzarella cheese is a soft, mild cheese that is known for its melting properties. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine, especially in dishes like pizza and lasagna. In this recipe, mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, cheesy topping to the spaghetti.
Parmesan Cheese:
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that has a sharp and salty flavor. It is often used in Italian cooking to add a rich, umami flavor to dishes. In this recipe, Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and savory herbs, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of comfort food at its finest!
