Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe. This luxurious pasta dish combines layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend, all baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks
Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and reserved pasta water. Toss until the spaghetti is well coated.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, create a thin layer of the meat sauce. Arrange 1/2 of the spaghetti on top of the sauce.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Top with 1/2 of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the grated parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining spaghetti, then the meat sauce, and finally the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake and Serve:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
To make this recipe more substantial, add some cooked ground sausage or diced ham to the meat sauce.
Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, to create a unique flavor profile.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
For a creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the meat sauce.
To make individual servings, use a 9x9-inch baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Store leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze the assembled dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.