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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining classic spaghetti with a luscious cheese and sour cream sauce, ground beef, and marinara for an irresistible, fast, and family-friendly meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable to many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti and Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream, letting them melt into a smooth sauce. Then add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  5. Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover with a lid, and allow it to melt for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Cheese: Fresh, sharp cheddar really enhances the creaminess and flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente to maintain perfect texture when combined with the sauce.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Use the starchy water to adjust sauce thickness and bind flavors.
  • Layer Flavors: Sauté garlic and onion thoroughly for a rich base.
  • Use a Wide Pan: Makes mixing pasta with sauce easier and more even.

Nutrition

Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, creamy spaghetti, cheesy pasta, ground beef pasta, quick spaghetti recipe, family dinner, easy weeknight meal