Indulge in Decadence: Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting and indulgent meal that will leave your taste buds singing, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti. This classic dish takes ordinary spaghetti to a whole new level of deliciousness with layers of savory marinara sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a special dinner, this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this irresistible dish!
Ingredients:
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 24 ounces (680g) marinara sauce
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped parsley until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly over the marinara sauce.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti noodles in an even layer.
- Top with half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Repeat the layers: marinara sauce, spaghetti noodles, cream cheese mixture, and ground beef.
5. Bake and Serve:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and instead use a combination of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a meatless version.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the ground beef mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef? Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Simply cook the ground turkey in the same manner as the ground beef.
- Can I Make Ahead and Freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti? Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for later use. Prepare the dish up until the baking step, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta? Absolutely! You can use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just be sure to cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions before layering it in the dish.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s a modified version of the recipe:
- Pasta Replacement: Substitute the spaghetti noodles with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Sauce Modification: Use a sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own keto-friendly tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
- Cheese Adjustment: Opt for full-fat cream cheese and mozzarella cheese to keep it keto-friendly, and omit the sour cream if desired.
Elevate your dinner game with this Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its layers of savory flavors and creamy cheese mixture, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Million Dollar Spaghetti is guaranteed to impress with its irresistible taste and comforting appeal.
