Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just a meal; it's a comforting embrace that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a special occasion. This dish, often hailed as a family favorite, combines layers of rich, creamy spaghetti sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese, resulting in a palate-pleasing experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
16 oz cottage cheese
1 egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring the noodles are not overcooked as they will absorb flavors later.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet. Season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Mix Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended.
Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom. Top with half of the spaghetti, followed by the cheese mixture. Pour the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the baked spaghetti to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
