Million Dollar Spaghetti twirls into your dinner dreams like a cozy blanket on a chilly night. Imagine al dente noodles bathed in a creamy, tangy tomato sauce brimming with savory ground beef, sweet peppers, and fragrant garlic. A splash of rich beef broth and a hint of apple cider vinegar stand in for wine, adding depth and brightness without a drop of alcohol. Finished with melted sharp cheddar, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and a dollop of creamy sour cream, every forkful feels like a hug from home. Whip this comfort classic in minutes and savor its golden magic tonight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti
- It’s a creamy, cheesy delight that warms your heart.
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your dish bakes perfectly.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. You want it just right!
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers for a hearty dish!
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set beautifully.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 35g |
Ingredients
Here are the delicious ingredients you’ll need to make Million Dollar Spaghetti!
- 1 pound spaghetti – your favorite type of pasta
- 1 pound ground beef – lean ground beef works best
- 1 medium onion – diced for extra flavor
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for that aromatic touch
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – the base for your sauce
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato paste – thickens your sauce beautifully
- 1 cup sour cream – adds creaminess and richness
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for topping deliciously
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – brings a nutty flavor to the dish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a perfect herb blend
- salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort dish! This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your heart. With a preparation time of 20 minutes, cooking time of 30 minutes, and an extra 5 minutes for resting, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your dish bakes perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. You want it just right!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers for a hearty dish!
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
Step 8: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 9: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set beautifully.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Dietary | Comfort Food |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy! |
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Opt for a blend of ricotta and cottage cheese for creaminess.
- Layer your spaghetti and sauce evenly for balanced flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like basil for a burst of freshness.
- Let it rest before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly for a golden finish.
How to Serve this Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Top with fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or a dairy-free alternative.
- Enjoy with a side of steamed veggies for added nutrition.
- For a fun twist, serve in individual ramekins.
- Complement with a sparkling water or a fruity mocktail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Million Dollar Spaghetti later is easy!
Storing Million Dollar Spaghetti Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Add a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What’s in million dollar spaghetti?
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delightful dish that typically includes layers of spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and ground beef or turkey. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and satisfying meal that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
2. How far ahead can you make million dollar spaghetti?
You can prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to heat through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests!
3. Why is it called million dollar lasagna?
The name ‘Million Dollar Lasagna’ is often used interchangeably with Million Dollar Spaghetti due to the similar creamy and cheesy layers that both dishes feature. The term ‘million dollar’ suggests that the dish is indulgent and luxurious, making it a favorite for special occasions and family dinners.
4. Why is it called million dollar spaghetti bolognese?
While Million Dollar Spaghetti and Bolognese are different dishes, the term ‘million dollar spaghetti bolognese’ may refer to a version of the spaghetti that includes a rich meat sauce similar to traditional Bolognese. The ‘million dollar’ aspect highlights the dish’s comforting and hearty nature, making it feel like a million bucks!
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate! With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to bring smiles to your table. So gather your loved ones, whip up this simple recipe, and enjoy every delicious bite. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!