Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup finely diced onions
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
divided
- 3 cups marinara sauce
divided
- 1 pound spaghetti
- ), to taste (for the pasta waterKosher salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese
softened to room temperature
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9" x 13" pan and set aside.
- 2
Spray a large saute pan with cooking spray and heat over medium high heat.
- 3
Add onion and saute for 3 minutes.
- 4
Add garlic and saute 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add ground beef and saute breaking up until browned.
- 6
Drain beef and return to pan. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and mix well with 2 cups marinara sauce and set aside.
- 7
While the beef cooks, boil spaghetti in well salted water for 3 minutes less than the al dente time listed on the package.
- 8
Drain and return to the pot and mix well to combine with 1 cup marinara sauce. Set aside.
- 9
In a medium bowl combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder and remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- 10
Place half the spaghetti in an even layer in the 9" x 13" pan.
- 11
Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the top of the spaghetti.
- 12
Place the remaining spaghetti in a single layer over the top of the cheese.
- 13
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
- 14
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- 15
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. If you want it browner, broil for 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn't burn. Serve immediately.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply satisfying, incredibly rich pasta dish that feels like a special occasion? This Million Dollar Spaghetti delivers big on comfort and flavor, transforming simple ingredients into a truly indulgent experience.
Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Works
The magic of Million Dollar Spaghetti lies in its decadent layers. A robust, savory ground beef and marinara sauce forms the comforting base, while a luscious, creamy mixture of softened cream cheese, ricotta, and garlic powder creates an irresistible layer of richness. Topped with melty mozzarella, this dish combines all the best elements of classic spaghetti with the craveable creaminess of a baked ziti, but with an extra touch of indulgence.
What to Expect
Prepare for a dish that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying. You'll experience tender spaghetti enveloped in a rich, deeply flavored meat sauce, complemented by pockets of warm, tangy ricotta and smooth, milky cream cheese. Each forkful is a symphony of textures and tastes: the slight chew of pasta, the savory bite of beef, and the creamy, cheesy goodness that defines this dish. It's truly a comforting meal perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring as a special treat.
Customization & Variations
This adaptable recipe welcomes your personal touch. For a twist on the protein, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based crumble to make it vegetarian. While spaghetti is classic here, you could experiment with other pasta shapes like ziti or penne. Feel free to enhance the herb profile with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end, adding a touch of brightness to the rich flavors.
Serving & Context
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a fantastic centerpiece for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a truly crowd-pleasing and comforting meal. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.