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In the realm of culinary delights, comfort food holds a special place, evoking feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and togetherness. These dishes often transcend generations, bringing families together around the dinner table. Among these beloved recipes, Million Dollar Spaghetti stands out as a true crowd-pleaser, combining hearty ingredients and rich flavors that appeal to both children and adults alike. This dish is not only satisfying but also remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Discover the heartwarming comfort of Million Dollar Spaghetti, a family favorite that's perfect for any occasion! This easy-to-make dish combines al dente pasta, savory ground meat, and a blend of gooey cheeses, creating a flavor explosion that appeals to all ages. Ideal for potlucks or cozy weeknight dinners, it offers endless variations to suit your taste. Try this delicious recipe and bring your family together around the table! #MillionDollarSpaghetti #ComfortFood #FamilyRecipes #EasyRecipes #PastaLovers #DeliciousMeals #FoodieShare #HomeCooking
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Ingredients
  

1 pound spaghetti

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

      Combine with Sauce: Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Mix the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

          Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

              Serve: Allow the spaghetti to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8