Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish: A Culinary Treasure

Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. This delightful recipe combines layers of rich flavors and textures, making it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions. Originating from the comfort food traditions of American cuisine, this dish has gained popularity for its simplicity and indulgence, often being the star of potlucks and dinner parties.

People love the Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish for its creamy, cheesy goodness and the satisfying blend of pasta and savory meat sauce. The convenience of preparing it ahead of time and baking it just before serving makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or festive celebrations. With each bite, you’ll discover why this dish has earned its name—it’s truly a million-dollar experience that brings everyone together around the table.

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound of spaghetti
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 pound of Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) of tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Preparing the Pasta

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want the starch to help the sauce adhere.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and sour cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the cheese mixture.

Assembling the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. This prevents the spaghetti from sticking.
3. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, spreading it evenly.
4. Next, dollop half of the ricotta and sour cream mixture over the spaghetti. Use a spatula to spread it gently.
5. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
6. Repeat the layers: add another layer of meat sauce, the remaining spaghetti, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and top with the remaining meat sauce.
7. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Baking the Dish

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving the Dish

1. Using a large spoon or spatula, cut into the Million Dollar Spaghetti and serve onto plates.
2. Garn

   

   Conclusion:

   If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish is an absolute must-try. This recipe not only delivers a delightful blend of creamy cheese, savory meat, and perfectly cooked pasta, but it also brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction that makes it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The layers of flavor and texture create a culinary experience that is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

   One of the best things about this Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, simply swap out the meat for a hearty mix of sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of cheese; while ricotta and mozzarella are traditional, feel free to mix in some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for a unique twist.

   When it comes to serving suggestions, this dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the spaghetti, while the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a more festive occasion, consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine, which enhances the flavors and adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.

   I encourage you to give this Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish a try. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. After you’ve made it, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Your feedback not only inspires me but also helps others discover the joy of cooking this delicious dish.

   So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! The Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish awaits you, and I promise it will be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with family and friends!

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   Million Dollar Spaghetti Dish: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Meal

   This Million Dollar Spaghetti features layers of spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It's a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

   Prep Time20 minutes

   Cook Time60 minutes

   Total Time80 minutes

   Category: Lunch & Dinner

   Yield: 8-10 servings

   Save This Recipe

   Ingredients

   • 1 pound of spaghetti
   • 1 pound of ground beef
   • 1 pound of Italian sausage
   • 1 medium onion, chopped
   • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
   • 2 cans (15 ounces each) of tomato sauce
   • 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes
   • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
   • 1 tablespoon of sugar
   • 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
   • 1 teaspoon of salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
   • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
   • 1 cup of ricotta cheese
   • 1 cup of sour cream
   • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
   2. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
   3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
   4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   6. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   7. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
   8. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta.
   9. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and sour cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
   10. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
   11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   12. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
   13. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, spreading it evenly.
   14. Dollop half of the ricotta and sour cream mixture over the spaghetti and spread it gently.
   15. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
   16. Repeat the layers: add another layer of meat sauce, the remaining spaghetti, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and top with the remaining meat sauce.
   17. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
   18. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
   19. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   20. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
   21. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
   22. Using a large spoon or spatula, cut into the Million Dollar Spaghetti and serve onto plates.
   23. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the meat by using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
   • You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.