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- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 28 oz crushed tomatoes - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste In this recipe, each ingredient plays a key role. The spaghetti forms the base of our dish, giving it structure. I prefer using 12 ounces of spaghetti for a nice balance. Ground beef adds heartiness and rich flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic bring depth and aroma. Crushed tomatoes create a delicious sauce. I use 28 ounces for a perfect consistency. Dried oregano enhances the flavor profile. It adds that classic Italian taste we love. Cheese is where the magic happens. Ricotta cheese gives creaminess. I add one cup to blend well with the sauce. Shredded mozzarella cheese adds gooeyness, and two cups ensure every bite is cheesy. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste for the best flavor. Each ingredient in Million Dollar Spaghetti works together to create a rich and flavorful delight. Enjoy cooking with these key components! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and set it on the stove. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and drizzle some olive oil in it. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until they become translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it until it is browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in 28 oz of crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of dried basil, 1 tsp of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes. This will help the flavors blend together nicely. Now it’s time to put everything together. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Mix well until everything is well incorporated. Next, take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add the rest of the spaghetti mixture on top of that. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Once done, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving it up. - Using fresh herbs for enhanced flavor: Fresh herbs can make your dish pop. I love using fresh basil or parsley. Just chop them up and sprinkle them on top before serving. You will taste the difference! - Ensuring perfect al dente spaghetti: The key to great spaghetti is cooking it just right. Boil water with a pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti until it’s firm but tender. This texture makes every bite enjoyable. - Recommended garnishes: For a lovely finish, add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. These simple touches make your meal look and taste amazing. - Pairing with sides or salads: Million Dollar Spaghetti pairs well with a crisp salad or garlic bread. A light side salad with greens and vinaigrette complements the rich flavors nicely. - Serving style in dishes: Serve the spaghetti in large, shallow bowls. This style allows everyone to see the layers of cheese and sauce. It makes the dish look inviting. - Photo inspiration for social media: Capture the moment! Take a photo of your plated spaghetti with a few fresh herbs on top. Natural light helps the colors pop, making it Instagram-ready. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook spaghetti until al dente to retain its firmness and avoid mushiness when baking. Layering for Flavor: For a richer taste, consider adding a layer of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms in between the spaghetti layers. Cheese Variations: Mix different cheeses like fontina or gouda with mozzarella for a unique flavor profile. Rest Before Serving: Let the baked spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to slice. {{image_2}} You can easily make Million Dollar Spaghetti meat-free. Start by using plant-based ground meat. This choice keeps the texture similar to the original dish. It also cuts back on fat. You can find many brands in stores today. Adding more veggies to the sauce makes it even better. Think about bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These veggies add color and flavor. They also provide extra nutrients. Just chop them up and sauté them with the onions and garlic. Cheese plays a big role in Million Dollar Spaghetti. You don’t have to stick with just mozzarella. Try different cheeses for fun flavors. Cheddar or provolone can bring a new twist. For a creamier mix, add cream cheese. This makes the dish rich and smooth. Simply mix in the cream cheese with the ricotta. It blends well and gives a special touch. Want some heat? Add spicy elements like red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without being too hot. You can also use fresh chili peppers for more flavor. Herbs can change the taste a lot too. Add fresh parsley or thyme for bright notes. You can also try rosemary for a bold flavor. Mixing different herbs makes each bite exciting. After enjoying Million Dollar Spaghetti, store the leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. The spaghetti can last up to four days in the refrigerator. When it’s time to reheat, use a microwave or oven. For the microwave, place the spaghetti in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the flavors intact and makes it taste fresh. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the spaghetti cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. This makes it easier to thaw later. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Million Dollar Spaghetti can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the spaghetti overnight in the fridge. For a quicker option, submerge the sealed bag in cold water. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above. This way, you enjoy a delicious meal without losing flavor. You can store Million Dollar Spaghetti in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors from other foods. Yes, you can make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step, then cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add 10 minutes to the cooking time. For a low-carb version, swap regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This keeps the flavor but lowers the carbs. This blog post covered all the key steps to make Million Dollar Spaghetti. We discussed the main ingredients, like ground beef and cheese, and the cooking process. I shared useful tips for perfecting the dish. You can also try variations to suit your taste. In the end, this meal offers comfort and creativity. Whether you stick to the classic or explore alternatives, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish!

Million Dollar Spaghetti

A delicious baked spaghetti dish layered with meat sauce and cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 whole onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • as needed olive oil for cooking

Instructions
 

  • Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve in generous portions on a plate, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.
Keyword baked pasta, Italian, spaghetti