Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, cheesy, and hearty comfort food perfect for quick family dinners or special occasions.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese until creamy and evenly mixed. Then add half the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring gently until the cheeses start to melt into the sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce and cheese mixture. Toss everything together carefully, ensuring each strand is coated. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet briefly to let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
- Use any pasta shape such as penne or rigatoni for variety.