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Decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

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A rich and creamy spaghetti dish featuring a luscious cheese sauce blended with sour cream and cream cheese, combined with hearty ground beef and tomato sauce for an indulgent yet easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, lean or regular (can substitute ground turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce, plain or marinara
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Stir in 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Mix well and let simmer gently for 10 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
  6. Add cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the meat sauce. Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the top and gently stir to coat all noodles evenly. Cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and cheese melts.
  7. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Optional: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook spaghetti; al dente texture helps noodles hold up in sauce. Soften cream cheese before mixing for smooth sauce. Drain fat from beef to avoid greasy sauce. Stir gently when combining pasta and sauce to avoid breaking noodles. Optional baking step adds a bubbly cheese topping. Splash of milk or pasta water can loosen thick sauce. Can add red wine to sauce for extra flavor. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb, spicy, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, creamy spaghetti, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, ground beef spaghetti, comfort food, weeknight meal

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