Irresistibly Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake is a comforting dish filled with cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz Spaghetti
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based option
- 1 medium Onion Can substitute with shallots or leeks
- 2 cloves Garlic Can use garlic powder
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Increase crushed tomatoes if out
- 1 tbsp Sugar Honey or maple syrup can be used
- 1 tbsp Dried Basil
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
For the Cheese Layer
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Dairy-free mozzarella for a vegan option
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese is a great alternative
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for dairy-free
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside so it can cool slightly.
- In a skillet, sauté the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until it's mostly browned, around 4-5 minutes, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir until the beef is fully cooked (about 3 more minutes) and drain any excess fat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with a light coating of oil.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well-coated. Layer half of this mixture in the greased baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Serve with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate indulgent experience.