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For Million Dollar Spaghetti, you need the following items: - 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp dried basil - 1 tsp granulated sugar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Olive oil for sautéing To prepare this dish, gather these tools: - Large pot for boiling spaghetti - Colander for draining spaghetti - Large skillet for the meat sauce - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - 9x13 inch baking dish - Aluminum foil for covering the dish - Spatula for stirring and serving If you do not have some ingredients, here are good swaps: - Use turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option. - Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a different texture. - Fresh herbs like basil and oregano work well if you have them. - Any shredded cheese blends can substitute for mozzarella. - Use vegetable broth instead of oil for a lower-fat option. These ingredients and tools help create a tasty meal that warms the heart. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water boils, add a good pinch of salt. Then, cook the spaghetti for about 8-10 minutes until it is 'al dente.' This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. This step is key for great texture in your dish. Next, grab a large skillet and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now stir in the crushed tomatoes along with the oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a big bowl, mix the drained spaghetti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish. Then, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat with the rest of the spaghetti mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the layers set nicely. To cook spaghetti just right, start with a big pot of water. Add a good pinch of salt to it. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti. This helps the pasta not stick together. Stir the spaghetti a few times while cooking. This will keep it loose. Cook it until it is 'al dente'—firm to the bite. After draining, do not rinse the pasta. You want to keep that starch for sauce to cling to. To make your meat sauce rich, begin with fresh ingredients. Use ripe crushed tomatoes and fresh herbs if you can. Sauté onions and garlic until they smell amazing. Adding sugar helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Season well with salt and black pepper. Simmer your sauce for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Taste it as you go and adjust the seasoning. You want it to sing with flavor. When baking Million Dollar Spaghetti, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Layer the spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheeses carefully. Cover the dish with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking. This helps keep the moisture inside. Remove the foil to let the cheese brown nicely. Let the dish cool for a few minutes after baking. This will help it set and make serving easier. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti: Always add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water; it should taste like the ocean. This enhances the pasta's flavor significantly. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. This brings depth to the overall taste. Cheese Variations: Mix different kinds of cheeses like provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for a unique flavor profile. Experiment with what you love! Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for mushrooms or lentils. Both options add great texture and flavor. Use the same amount of crushed tomatoes and spices. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more color and taste. This dish stays rich and satisfying without meat. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. Start with a half teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for more heat. If you like a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle powder. This version will warm you up and excite your taste buds. To make it creamy, mix in extra ricotta cheese or use a cream sauce. You can blend some cream cheese into the meat sauce for a rich texture. Adding a little cream before baking makes every bite smooth and delicious. This variation is perfect for those who love a silky mouthfeel in their dishes. After enjoying your Million Dollar Spaghetti, you may have leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. When it’s time to reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. For microwave reheating, place a portion on a plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you prefer the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Put the spaghetti in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until it is hot. To freeze your Million Dollar Spaghetti, first cool it completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Be sure to label and date the bags. It will keep well for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned before. Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, cheesy pasta dish. It combines spaghetti with ground beef and a tasty tomato sauce. You layer it with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Yes, you can prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time. Just assemble it in the baking dish and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Your spaghetti is done when it is "al dente," which means it is firm but not hard. You can taste a piece to check. It should be cooked but still have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions for exact cooking times. Several sides pair nicely with Million Dollar Spaghetti. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - A simple green salad - Steamed vegetables - Roasted zucchini or bell peppers These sides add balance to the meal and complement the rich flavors of the spaghetti. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post covered the key ingredients and step-by-step methods to make Million Dollar Spaghetti. We discussed tools you need, cooking tips, and flavor enhancements. You learned about variations like vegetarian or spicy options. Finally, we talked about storage and reheating to keep your meal fresh. In short, making this dish is simple and fun. You can impress your family and friends with your skills and flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Delight

A delicious and cheesy spaghetti dish layered with ground beef and rich tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • for sautéing Olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it reaches 'al dente' perfection. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside for later use.
  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  • Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. After browning, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the sauce.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture onto the bottom of the dish. Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s sealed well to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  • Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes to set before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Keyword baked, beef, cheesy, spaghetti