Introduction
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delectable, baked pasta dish that has gained immense popularity for its rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy dinner at home, this recipe combines the comforting elements of spaghetti, ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy filling. With layers of pasta, meat sauce, and a delightful blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella, Million Dollar Spaghetti truly lives up to its name.
Detailed Ingredients
Understanding the components of any recipe is crucial for achieving that perfect taste and texture. Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients required for Million Dollar Spaghetti:
– 1 pound of spaghetti
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
– 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of sour cream
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of butter, for greasing the baking dish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Preparing and cooking the Million Dollar Spaghetti involves a few steps, each contributing to the dish’s final texture and flavor. Here are the details:
– **Prep Time**: 20 minutes
– **Cook Time**: 45 minutes
– **Total Time**: 1 hour and 5 minutes
– **Yield**: 8 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
To ensure that your Million Dollar Spaghetti turns out perfect every time, follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. **Cook the Spaghetti**:
– In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
– Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. **Prepare the Meat Sauce**:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
– Drain excess fat from the skillet.
– Stir in the marinara sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.
3. **Prepare the Creamy Filling**:
– In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. **Assemble the Dish**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
– Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
– Layer the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
– Top with the remaining half of the spaghetti.
– Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, spreading it out evenly.
5. **Add the Cheeses**:
– Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
– Follow with grated Parmesan cheese.
6. **Bake**:
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
– After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Here are some additional tips to make your Million Dollar Spaghetti turn out even better:
– To make the dish even more flavorful, you can add some Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the meat sauce.
– For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat spaghetti or a low-carb pasta alternative.
– This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble the layers, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow the same baking instructions.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave.
Cook Techniques
Mastering the cooking techniques used in Million Dollar Spaghetti will enhance your overall cooking skills:
– **Browning**: Proper browning of the ground beef is essential. This not only improves the beef’s texture but