Million Dollar Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
445 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Description
This recipe combines cooked spaghetti noodles with browned lean ground beef and marinara sauce, then pours the mixture into a baking dish. It is topped with a blend of softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a creamy layer that contrasts with the savory meat and tangy tomato sauce. Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top to provide a melted, slightly browned crust after baking.
The spaghetti is cooked to al dente before assembly to maintain texture after baking. Ground beef is cooked thoroughly and excess fat drained to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Baking at 350°F for 20-30 minutes melts the cheese topping and melds flavors together.
Million Dollar Spaghetti serves as a hearty main dish suitable for family meals. It combines familiar ingredients in a baked format that adds creaminess and richness to classic spaghetti and meat sauce.
Substitutions for cream cheese and ricotta can be made but choosing full or part-skim versions is recommended for melting properties. Lean ground beef helps control fat content, but ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage may be used as alternatives. Ensure marinara sauce quantity matches recipe requirements for proper consistency.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 28 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- Combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix until well combined; set it aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package for al dente noodles.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat, making sure to break the beef into bite-size pieces.
- Drain the grease from the beef.
- Add the sauce and the cooked ground beef to the pot with the noodles.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into the baking pan.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the top in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Use regular or reduced-fat cream cheese for best melting; avoid fat-free versions as they do not melt well.
- Ricotta can be regular or part-skim; fat-free ricotta is not recommended.
- Cottage cheese can substitute ricotta if preferred.
- Lean ground beef is recommended, but ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can be used as alternatives.
- Ensure you have enough marinara sauce, as some jar sizes vary; the recipe calls for 28 ounces.
- Nutrition values provided are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 445 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 445kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 999mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 707mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 991IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 365mg | 37% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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