Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes: Million Dollar Spaghetti! Imagine a cozy evening, the house filled with the intoxicating aroma of baked pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese. This dish has been a staple at family gatherings, and it never fails to bring everyone together around the table.
Every time I make Million Dollar Spaghetti, it reminds me of those chilly winter nights spent with friends and family. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks or just a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it’s deceptively simple to prepare, making it a go-to in my cooking repertoire. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible!
What’s in Million Dollar Spaghetti?
To create this cheesy, hearty masterpiece, you’ll need a lineup of some fantastic ingredients:
Spaghetti noodles: The main star of this dish! I usually opt for whole wheat spaghetti for a bit of extra fiber.
Ground beef or sausage: You can choose either depending on your preferred flavor. I love a good Italian sausage for that extra kick!
Marinara sauce: A rich sauce is essential for that comforting depth of flavor. I like to use a high-quality jarred brand or make my own if I have the time.
Cream cheese: This creamy goodness gives the dish its signature richness. It’s like a secret layer of joy!
Sour cream: It adds a tangy creaminess that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Because what’s a pasta bake without cheese? Melty mozzarella is a must to achieve that gooey goodness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: A little sharpness from the cheddar complements the mozzarella perfectly.
Italian seasonings: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a fragrant touch to the sauce.
Garlic powder: Then there’s garlic powder, because garlic makes everything better, am I right?
Onion powder: This adds another layer of flavor that really rounds out the dish.
Salt and pepper: A sprinkle of these essentials to bring everything together and enhance the flavors.
Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Good for You?
Now, before we get too lost in cheesy dreams, let’s chat about health considerations! Million Dollar Spaghetti is certainly a comfort food, and while it’s not exactly health food, it does offer some benefits too!
Spaghetti noodles: They provide carbs for energy, but I recommend choosing whole grain noodles for a healthier option that also has more fiber.
Ground beef or sausage: These protein sources are essential; just be mindful of the fat content. Lean ground beef or turkey can be used for a healthier spin.
Cream cheese and sour cream: While delicious, these ingredients are high in fat and calories, so moderation is key!
Overall, it’s great for a treat, especially when you’re in the mood for some serious comfort food.
Ingredients List
– 12 oz of spaghetti noodles
– 1 lb of ground beef or sausage
– 24 oz of marinara sauce
– 8 oz of cream cheese
– 1 cup of sour cream
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon of Italian seasonings
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, perfect for sharing with family or meal prepping for the week ahead!
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
6. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread a layer of the creamy mixture followed by half of the spaghetti.
7. Pour half of the meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and finish with both mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips for Million Dollar Spaghetti
– For a little kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
– Feel free to sneak in some veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers could easily be added for some extra color and nutrients.
– Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti tastes even better the next day; it’s ideal for meal prepping or taking to work for lunch.
I promise you, if you try this Million Dollar Spaghetti, you’ll be hooked. There’s something about that creamy, cheesy layer topped with savory meat sauce that just makes my heart sing. Give it a go and let me know how your baking adventure turns out! Happy cooking, my friends!
