Million Dollar Spaghetti With Ricotta Cheese
Are you looking for a delicious and budget-friendly meal that will please your family or friends? Look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti with Ricotta Cheese. This classic Italian-American dish is easy to make, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Million Dollar Spaghetti with Ricotta Cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the jar of marinara sauce to the skillet with the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, salt, and black pepper.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti and spread it evenly.
- Cover the ricotta cheese mixture with the remaining spaghetti.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the meat sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda, or feta.
- Top the dish with fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or oregano, before serving.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti with Ricotta Cheese is a delicious and affordable meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd. Give it a try today and see why it’s called million dollar spaghetti!