Okay, so I have to tell you about this spaghetti. It’s not just regular spaghetti, you know? This recipe is called “Million-Dollar Spaghetti Recipe.” And let me tell you, it really lives up to its name. It makes people super happy. My friends and family? They always ask for it. It’s truly a special dish.
I used to make just normal spaghetti. It was fine. But this one? This one is different. It’s a baked dish. It has layers of deliciousness. Think of it like spaghetti met lasagna and they had a super tasty baby. It’s got meat sauce. It’s got lots of cheese. It’s warm and comforting.
When I first heard about it, I thought, “Million-dollar? Really?” But then I tried it. And wow. My mind was blown. It was so good. It became my favorite thing to make. And now I want to share it with you. Because everyone deserves to eat this amazing spaghetti.
So, get ready! We’re going to make some Million-Dollar Spaghetti. It’s easier than you think. And it’s going to make your tummy very, very happy.
What Makes It So Good? (The Million-Dollar Part!)
You might wonder why it’s called “million-dollar.” It’s not because it costs a lot. It’s because it feels so rich and fancy and special. Like a million bucks.
It’s all about how we build it. We make different layers. First, there’s perfectly cooked spaghetti. Then a creamy cheese layer. Then, a rich meat sauce. And then more cheese on top. It all bakes together. The cheese gets bubbly and golden. It’s just perfect.
This is the kind of meal you make for a special dinner. Or when you have friends over. Or when you just need a big, warm hug in food form. It’s truly the best.
What You Need To Make This Amazing Spaghetti
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready. This list might look a bit long. But each thing is important. And it all comes together easily.
For the Best Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 big onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (or try half beef, half Italian sausage!)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or red wine if you like that!)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (this helps with the tomato taste!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Middle Layer:
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Top Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Let’s Cook! Making Your Million-Dollar Spaghetti
Okay, time to make some magic! Follow these steps. It’s fun, I promise!
Step 1: Make Your Yummy Meat Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a big pot. Use medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion. Cook it until it’s soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells good.
- Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned. Drain any extra fat.
- Now add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth (or wine). Add the Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and sugar.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Then turn the heat very low. Cover the pot. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. Or even longer, up to 2 hours, for more flavor. Stir it sometimes. Taste it and add salt and pepper if you need more.
Also Read: 5-Minute Street Corn Recipe (Authentic, Smoky & Irresistibly Creamy)
Step 2: Cook Your Spaghetti (But Not Too Soft!)
- While the sauce simmers, get a large pot of salted water boiling.
- Add the spaghetti. Cook it until it’s “al dente.” That means it’s cooked but still a little firm to bite. It will cook more in the oven.
- Drain the spaghetti well. Put it back in the pot. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss it to coat. This stops it from sticking.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Ricotta Mix
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, the beaten egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s all smooth.
Step 4: Build Your Amazing Spaghetti Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
- First Layer: Spaghetti. Spread half of your cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Second Layer: Ricotta. Spread all of the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti.
- Third Layer: More Spaghetti. Put the rest of the spaghetti on top of the ricotta.
- Fourth Layer: Meat Sauce. Pour the delicious meat sauce evenly over all the spaghetti.
- Fifth Layer: Cheese Top. Sprinkle the 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then add the last 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake It Until Golden!
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Take off the foil. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- When it comes out of the oven, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This is important! It helps the layers settle. It makes it easier to cut and serve.
How to Serve This Wonderful Meal
This Million-Dollar Spaghetti is a full meal on its own. It’s hearty and satisfying. But if you want to add more:
- Garlic Bread: A must-have! Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Simple Salad: A green salad with light dressing is a nice, fresh side.
Why You Will Love This Recipe So Much
I truly think this Million-Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a winner. Here’s why it’s so great:
- Comfort Food: It just makes you feel good inside.
- Feeds Everyone: It makes a big dish. Great for parties or feeding a big family.
- Make Ahead: You can even make it the day before. Then just bake it when you’re ready. Easy entertaining!
- Kids Love It: What kid doesn’t love spaghetti and cheese?
- Leftovers Are Amazing: It tastes even better the next day. Seriously!
So please, try this recipe. It’s going to be a new favorite, I promise. Your taste buds will thank you. Get ready for some really happy eaters!
