Description

Experience the irresistible flavor of Million Dollar Spaghetti! This easy, hearty meal combines layers of savory beef, creamy cheese, and spaghetti, making it the perfect comfort food for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely diced onions
3 garlic cloves minced
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons italian seasoning divided
3 cups marinara sauce divided
1 pound spaghetti noodles
kosher salt (for pasta water)
8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.
Drain excess fat from the beef and return to the pan. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, then set aside.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 3 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain pasta and return it to the pot, tossing with the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning until smooth.
To assemble, spread half of the spaghetti in an even layer in the prepared dish. Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the pasta, then layer the remaining spaghetti on top. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and edges are bubbly. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 70mg