Million Dollar Spaghetti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe (Easy & Delicious!)

Craving a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti! This recipe is a family favorite for a reason – it’s bursting with flavor, unbelievably creamy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget boring spaghetti nights; this recipe elevates your pasta game to a whole new level. This decadent dish combines classic spaghetti with a rich, cheesy, and meaty sauce that will leave you wanting more. We’re talking layers of creamy goodness, savory ground meat, and a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the richness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this seemingly extravagant, yet surprisingly simple, dish. This isn’t just spaghetti; it’s Million Dollar Spaghetti!

What Makes This Spaghetti Worth a Million Bucks?

So, what exactly makes this spaghetti so special? It’s all about the layers of flavor and textures working in perfect harmony:

• Creamy Dreamy Base: Unlike traditional spaghetti, Million Dollar Spaghetti starts with a creamy base of cream cheese and sour cream. This creates a luxurious and tangy foundation for the rest of the ingredients.
• Savory Meat Sauce: A hearty meat sauce, often using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, adds depth and richness to the dish. The sauce is typically simmered with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, creating a complex and flavorful foundation.
• Cheesy Goodness: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are key players, creating a gooey and cheesy topping that melts beautifully in the oven. The combination of these cheeses provides both a mild and sharp cheesy flavor.
• Sweet & Tangy Touch: A touch of sugar in the sauce helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the sweetness of the other ingredients. This seemingly small addition makes a huge difference in the overall flavor profile.
• Baked to Perfection: Baking the spaghetti in the oven allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a perfectly golden and bubbly crust. This final step elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to make your own Million Dollar Spaghetti? Follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (removed from casing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Equipment:

• Large pot for cooking spaghetti
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9×13 inch baking dish

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if the sauce is too acidic for your liking.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps. An electric mixer can be used for this step if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Spaghetti

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Top with half of the cooked spaghetti.
4. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
5. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat the layers: the remaining cream cheese mixture, spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Spaghetti

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the spaghetti is heated through.
2. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips and Variations for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti

Want to customize your Million Dollar Spaghetti? Here are some tips and variations to try:

• Meat Variations: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a vegetarian meat substitute instead of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Vegetable Boost: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté them with the onion and garlic.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack.
• Herbs and Spices: Add other herbs and spices like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder to the meat sauce.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Instead of layering the cream cheese mixture, swirl it into the meat sauce before layering with the spaghetti. This creates a more marbled effect.
• Make it Ahead: Assemble the spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
• Freezing Instructions: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well! Assemble the spaghetti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free.
• Lower Fat Option: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce the fat content.
• Add Ricotta Cheese: Incorporate a layer of ricotta cheese for an even richer and creamier texture. Mix it with an egg and some Parmesan cheese before layering.

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the spaghetti.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy side dish.
• Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert like fruit salad, tiramisu, or cannoli.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs well with this dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is successful because it perfectly balances creamy, cheesy, meaty, and slightly sweet flavors. The cream cheese and sour cream create a rich and tangy base that complements the savory meat sauce. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provides a melty and flavorful topping. The touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Baking the spaghetti in the oven allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a perfectly golden and bubbly crust.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Sauce Too Acidic: If the sauce is too acidic, add more sugar, a pinch of baking soda, or a small amount of butter to neutralize the acidity.
• Sauce Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or beef broth to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water to help thicken it.
• Cheese Not Melting Properly: Make sure the cheese is shredded evenly and not too thick. If the cheese is not melting properly, try broiling the spaghetti for a minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
• Spaghetti is Dry: Ensure you have enough sauce to coat the spaghetti well. If the spaghetti seems dry after baking, you can add a little bit of extra sauce before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the cheeses and cream cheese/sour cream mixture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese/sour cream mixture and top with the cheeses before serving.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 inch baking dishes.

Q: How long does Million Dollar Spaghetti last in the refrigerator?

A: Million Dollar Spaghetti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I add ricotta cheese to this recipe?

A: Yes! Adding a layer of ricotta cheese elevates the creaminess and flavor. Simply mix ricotta cheese with an egg, parmesan cheese, and some seasonings, then layer it in with the other ingredients.

Q: Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?

A: While not strictly necessary, adding a small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your taste.

The Million Dollar Verdict

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s truly worth a million bucks! This is comfort food at its finest, and you’ll be making it again and again. Don’t be surprised when your family requests this dish every week!

Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti! Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and how it turned out. What variations did you try? I’d love to hear from you!

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