30-Minute Million Dollar Spaghetti: Luxurious Comfort Food on a Budget

Imagine sinking your fork into a steaming plate of pasta, perfectly layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly al dente spaghetti. Now, imagine creating that Million Dollar Spaghetti restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes, using ingredients that won’t break the bank. Sounds too good to be true? Think again! And if you’re in the mood for more quick and delicious meals, why not try our Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe for a tasty tropical twist on dinner?

The 30-Minute Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
3. Meanwhile, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce to the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer as follows: half the spaghetti, cheese mixture, remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan.
7. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
8. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

And voila! Your Million Dollar Spaghetti is ready to devour!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version? A: Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based meat alternative or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.

Q: Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti? A: Definitely! Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: What sides go well with this dish? A: A simple green salad or garlic bread complements Million Dollar Spaghetti perfectly. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables.

Q: How can I make this recipe even quicker? A: Use pre-cooked ground beef or rotisserie chicken, and opt for no-boil pasta to save even more time!

Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti

1. Don’t overcook the pasta – keep it al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
2. For extra flavor, add minced garlic and onion when browning the beef.
3. Use a mixture of cheeses for more complex flavor – try adding some fontina or provolone to the mix.
4. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
5. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking time.

The Science Behind the Magic

Ever wondered why this dish is so irresistible? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures:

• The combination of different cheeses creates a complex, rich flavor profile.
• Layering the ingredients allows for distinct textures in every bite.
• The cottage cheese adds moisture and a unique tangy flavor that complements the rich meat sauce.

Fun fact: According to a recent survey, 73% of Americans consider pasta their go-to comfort food. With Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’re not just making dinner – you’re creating comfort in a casserole dish!

Budget-Friendly Gourmet: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s break down the cost. On average, this recipe costs about $15-20 to make and serves 8-10 people. That’s just $2-2.50 per serving for a gourmet-tasting meal! Compare that to the average restaurant pasta dish at $15-20 per plate, and you’re saving a whopping 85-90%!

Moreover, a study by the USDA found that home-cooked meals are typically healthier and more nutritious than restaurant meals. By making Million Dollar Spaghetti at home, you’re not just saving money – you’re investing in your health!

Versatility: More Than Just a Dinner Option

While Million Dollar Spaghetti is perfect for family dinners, don’t limit yourself! Here are some creative ways to use this recipe:

1. Potluck Star: Bring it to your next gathering and watch it disappear.
2. Meal Prep Wonder: Portion into individual containers for easy weekday lunches.
3. Comfort Food Care Package: Make a batch for a friend in need of a home-cooked meal.
4. Kids’ Party Pleaser: Cut into small squares for a crowd-pleasing finger food.
5. Date Night In: Pair with a good wine for a romantic, budget-friendly dinner.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

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Ingredients

  

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Marinara Sauce
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Assembly:

• 12 oz Spaghetti
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley

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Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Spaghetti:

• 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 9×13-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 9×9-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.

Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti!