Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti a Creamy Cheesy Dream
- Recipe Introduction: Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Why This Spaghetti is a Game Changer
- What Makes This Recipe Truly Special
- Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Let's Get Prepped, Proper!
- Million Dollar Spaghetti - Step-by-Step Glory
- Top Tips for a Million Dollar Experience!
- Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti - Game!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti
Quick Hook: A Dreamy Spaghetti Experience
Ever crave something utterly comforting? I did, and let me tell you. This Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti - is absolutely heavenly! Seriously, it's the creamy, cheesy, meaty masterpiece you've been waiting for.
The cheesy, delicious recipe tastes like a million bucks.
Brief Overview
Originating from American home cooking, this dish elevates simple Spaghetti Recipes into something spectacular. It’s a straightforward bake that takes about 55 minutes from start to finish, and it serves 6-8 hungry people.
Think of it as a casual Sunday dinner that tastes like something you'd get in a fancy restaurant.
Main Benefits: Comfort and Flavor
Honestly, the best part about this Creamy Baked Spaghetti Recipe is how comforting it is. It's proper Comfort Food Spaghetti Bake ! Plus, with the added protein from the beef and cottage cheese, it's surprisingly filling.
Perfect for a family gathering or when you just need a big hug in food form. This Easy Pasta Bake Recipes has become a fast family favourite!
Why This Spaghetti is a Game Changer
This isn't your average pasta dish. It's the Million Dollar Spaghetti ! The creamy texture from the cream cheese and cottage cheese sets it apart.
It’s a Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese , but the addition of cottage cheese makes it lighter than you might expect.
Trust me, once you try this Million Dollar Spaghetti with Cottage Cheese , you'll never look at spaghetti the same way again.
What Makes This Recipe Truly Special
It's so simple. This is a Quick And Easy Viral Baked Spaghetti ! You throw it together. Bake it. Then, boom instant deliciousness.
Plus, it's totally customizable. Chuck in some extra veggies, spice it up with chilli flakes, or use different cheeses. The Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Allrecipes will never have the same unique touch that you can add, so don't be afraid to play around with the formula, innit?
Ready to dive in? Let's get our ingredients sorted.
Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti
Okay, so you wanna make Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti ? Awesome! It is a Creamy Baked Spaghetti Recipe . Million Dollar Spaghetti is the Quick And Easy Viral Baked Spaghetti that everyone's talking about.
Let's get real about what you actually need. No fancy pants stuff here, just honest-to-goodness ingredients and kit. I made this for my family last week and they absolutely inhaled it.
Main Ingredients
This is where the magic happens. Seriously, don't skimp!
- Spaghetti: 1 pound (450g) . Honestly, any type of spaghetti works. I grab whatever is on offer.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Extra virgin is nice, but whatever you have kicking about is fine.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Sea salt, table salt...salt is salt, innit?
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for one that's not too fatty. You want flavor, not grease.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium (150g) , finely chopped. A regular brown onion will do.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The pre-minced stuff in a jar? Yeah, that's fine too. About 1 teaspoon.
- Marinara sauce: 1 (24 ounce) (680g) jar . I used a simple one with basil. You can also use for Spaghetti Recipes
- Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) (425g) can . Again, nothing fancy needed.
- Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5g) . It's a mix of herbs, basically.
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Not the same as fresh garlic, FYI.
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) (optional). If you like a bit of a kick.
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , softened. This is key! Full fat is the way to go. This is for Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese or Million Dollar Spaghetti with Cottage Cheese .
- Cottage cheese: 1 ½ cups (150g) . Don't knock it till you try it!
- Sour cream: ½ cup (50g) . Full fat is richer, but light works too.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50g) . The stuff in the green tin is acceptable.
- Egg: 1 large . Free range if you're feeling fancy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200g) . Low-moisture is best for melting.
Seasoning Notes
Don't be afraid to play around!
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes is a great base.
- For flavor enhancers, try a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the meat sauce. Honestly, it makes a difference.
- If you don't have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Allrecipes also may have some ideas about this.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- Large pot for boiling pasta. Any big pot will do.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven. For browning the mince.
- 9x13 inch baking dish. Glass or metal, whatever you have.
- Mixing bowls. For the cheese mixture.
- Honestly? A wooden spoon and a spatula. That's all you need, mate.
This Easy Pasta Bake Recipes is not only a good recipe, it is a Comfort Food Spaghetti Bake recipe
Right, let's get cracking!
Right then, let's get stuck into making some seriously lush Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti - , shall we? Honestly, this is the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Think creamy, cheesy, and totally comforting. It's dead easy to make, even if you are a beginner cook. Ready to roll up your sleeves?
Let's Get Prepped, Proper!
Before we dive in, mise en place is key! That's fancy chef talk for "get your stuff sorted."
- Make sure you've chopped your onion, minced your garlic, and measured out all your ingredients. Trust me, it saves a load of time later.
- Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. We need it ready to go.
- And, of course, safety first! Don't get burned! Use oven gloves when you're taking the Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti out of the oven. You know? Common sense, really.
Million Dollar Spaghetti - step-by-step Glory
Right, here's how you nail this Quick And Easy Viral Baked Spaghetti , step-by-step:
- Cook your pound (450g) of spaghetti al dente . This roughly takes 8- 10 minutes . Drain it well and toss it with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil.
- Brown your pound (450g) of ground beef in a large skillet. Drain the fat. Nobody wants greasy spaghetti.
- Add one medium (150g) chopped onion and 2 cloves (1 teaspoon) minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in one 24 ounce (680g) jar of marinara sauce, one 15 ounce (425g) can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon (5g) of Italian seasoning, 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder, and 0.25 teaspoon (1.25g) of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave). Simmer for 10 minutes .
- In a bowl, mix 8 ounces (225g) of softened cream cheese, 1.5 cups (150g) of cottage cheese, 0.5 cup (50g) of sour cream, 0.5 cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) salt, and 0.25 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper. Stir in one large egg. This is the creamy magic.
- Layer half of the spaghetti in the dish, then half of the cream cheese mix. Top with the rest of the spaghetti and cream cheese. Spoon the meat sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with 2 cups (200g) of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes , until bubbly and golden. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Top Tips for a Million Dollar Experience!
- Don't overcook your pasta! It will become mushy in the oven.
- Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. Lumpy cream cheese is not your friend.
- Want to save time? Make the meat sauce the day before. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day!
- Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Allrecipes is a great resource to get a glimpse of what other people have done to improve the recipe.
- Million Dollar Spaghetti with Cottage Cheese really elevates the dish, don't skip it.
- Creamy Baked Spaghetti Recipe really is easy, that is why it has had so much popularity.
So there you have it! How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole . Give it a go, and let me know what you think! You won't regret it.
It's an amazing Comfort Food Spaghetti Bake !
Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti - Game!
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You know, the bits that really make this Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti sing.
These are the little things I've picked up over the years making this glorious pasta bake. Honestly, it's one of those spaghetti recipes that even I can't mess up.
And trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen disasters!
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Party Tricks
So, you've got this beautiful, bubbly Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese fresh out of the oven. First impressions count, right? A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds a pop of colour, but a little freshness too.
Serve it straight from the baking dish for that rustic, family style feel, or plate individual portions with a side of garlic bread because why not? A simple green salad cuts through the richness.
If you want to get fancy, pair it with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive
Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, this Easy Pasta Bake Recipes keeps like a champ. Once it's cooled completely, wrap it tightly in foil or bung it in an airtight container.
It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days.
Fancy freezing? Go for it! Cut it into individual portions first. This way, you can easily grab a slice when that craving hits.
Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat in the oven at 175° C until heated through and bubbly. You can also use the microwave, but the oven gives it that lovely crispy top again.
Variations: Dial It Up or Down
One of the best things about this Creamy Baked Spaghetti Recipe is how adaptable it is. Trying to cut down on meat? Use Quorn mince or lentils for a veggie version that's just as delicious.
For a lighter take, swap full fat cream cheese for a low-fat version. Use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Fancy a bit of spice? Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the meat sauce. You could even chuck in some roasted veggies like peppers and courgettes.
For a seasonal twist, consider using butternut squash puree.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Comfort?
Alright, let's be real. This Million Dollar Spaghetti isn't exactly a health food. But it is comfort in a dish! It's packed with protein from the beef and dairy.
The tomato sauce gives you a dose of vitamins. If you're watching your calorie intake, consider using leaner beef and low-fat dairy products.
Remember Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Allrecipes is for enjoyment! Portion control is key. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
So there you have it. Now go forth and create the Quick And Easy Viral Baked Spaghetti of your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time? I'm knackered after work most evenings!
Absolutely! Assembled, unbaked Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. It is a great way to save time during the week.
Help! My cream cheese layer is lumpy. What did I do wrong and how can I fix it?
Lumpy cream cheese usually means it wasn't softened enough. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature before mixing. If it's still lumpy, you can try using an electric mixer to whip it until smooth.
A trick my grandmother taught me is to microwave the cream cheese (unwrapped) in 10 second intervals, until softened.
I'm trying to cut back on calories, are there any healthy swaps I can make in this Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe?
You bet! Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or even a plant based mince to reduce the fat content. Using low-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, and reduced fat mozzarella will also make a big difference.
You can even add some finely chopped veggies like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra nutrients and fibre, without impacting the taste!
Can I freeze Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti? I want to batch cook.
Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti in a freezer safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, but remember to add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
My family isn't a fan of cottage cheese. Is there anything else I can use in the creamy layer of Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti?
No worries, you can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a similar texture and taste. If you're not a fan of either, try using a plain Greek yogurt. It will add a slight tang, but it blends well and keeps the creamy texture intact.
Just ensure that you drain the Greek yogurt well, as it can add a little water.
Is there any way to spice up my Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a kick. You could also use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavour and spice. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the top before baking will also add a nice touch of heat!
Serve it with a nice glass of chilled beer, and you've got yourself a good time.
Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti A Creamy Cheesy D
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 0g |
