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Million Dollar Spaghetti

This creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti layers tender spaghetti with seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and a three-cheese topping baked until bubbly — a comfort-food favorite for weeknights and potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti broken in half
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium preferred
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Fold in 1 cup cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella.
  • Combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, then fold in the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
  • Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are lightly golden.
  • Remove from oven, let stand 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, then serve warm.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 24 hours; add 5–10 minutes to baking time. Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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