There’s something magical about a plate of million dollar spaghetti. As you twirl those luscious noodles around your fork, the rich, aromatic sauce clings lovingly to each strand, making every bite a heavenly experience. The blend of savory meats and creamy cheese creates a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds and leaves you dreaming of seconds.
Imagine the enticing scent wafting through your kitchen as it bakes to perfection. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, where laughter fills the air and everyone is reaching for more. With its gooey cheese topping and hearty sauce, million dollar spaghetti promises to delight your senses and warm your heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This million dollar spaghetti recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its delightful blend of flavors creates a comforting meal that appeals to everyone
- The vibrant layers create an eye-catching presentation that will impress guests at any dinner party
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry
Family and friends can’t get enough of this dish, often requesting it for special occasions or just because they’re craving comfort food.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti: Choose high-quality pasta for a better texture; cook until al dente for the perfect bite.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for flavor without the grease; opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; tomato-based sauces add depth and richness.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds a lovely texture; consider mixing in some herbs for extra flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Best when freshly shredded; this melts beautifully and creates that gooey topping we all love.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil elevates the flavors—don’t skip this step!
Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic punch; fresh garlic can also be used if preferred.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all flavors—season generously but taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in the spaghetti. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. It should be nicely browned with no pink remaining.
Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in your chosen pasta sauce along with garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the skillet with beef. Stir well and let simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Create Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth—this will be your creamy layer!
Layer Everything Up!: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti atop this layer followed by dollops of ricotta mixture. Repeat layering with remaining sauce and noodles.
Add Toppings & Bake!: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan cheese generously over the top layer. Cover with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly; remove foil during the last 10 minutes to achieve golden cheesy goodness.
Now all that’s left is to serve up generous portions! Enjoy every delightful bite of this million dollar spaghetti as you savor its comforting charm!
You Must Know
- Million dollar spaghetti is not just a dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that marries comfort and sophistication
- The delightful blend of flavors and textures creates a memorable meal that will have your friends asking for seconds
- Don’t forget to savor the aroma as it cooks!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect million dollar spaghetti, cook the pasta al dente while the sauce simmers. This timing ensures everything melds beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your million dollar spaghetti by adding spinach, mushrooms, or even spicy sausage. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the dish, elevating it to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover million dollar spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, let your sauce simmer longer – patience is key!
- Don’t skip the cheese layer; it’s essential for that creamy mouthfeel
- Finally, taste as you cook and adjust seasoning accordingly for perfection
I remember the first time I made million dollar spaghetti for my friends. They were so impressed that they practically staged an encore performance at my kitchen table!
FAQ
What is million dollar spaghetti?
Million dollar spaghetti is a delicious baked pasta dish featuring layers of cheese, sauce, and meat.
Can I make million dollar spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it in advance and refrigerate before baking for easy weeknight dinners.
What sides pair well with million dollar spaghetti?
A fresh salad or garlic bread complements million dollar spaghetti beautifully, enhancing your meal experience.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting baked pasta dish that combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This indulgent meal is sure to impress at family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its gooey mozzarella topping and aromatic flavors, every bite feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your tastes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cups pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes) and drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add pasta sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with beef; simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer half of the meat sauce in a baking dish, followed by half of the spaghetti and dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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