Million Dollar Spaghetti

RECIPE ALERT! I don't get around to making new dishes near as often as I once did, but when I find something worth sharing, I'll try to continue posting! Just after S was born, a friend of mine dropped off this Million Dollar Spaghetti for our family to enjoy, and I've been making it on repeat ever since. It is super easy, flavor wise...what I would call a take on 'easy lasagna', and incredibly filling (a.k.a....usually plenty of leftovers to stretch for a second meal - #winning in a house with three littles!). I hope you love it as much as we do!

Recipe slightly modified from Dinner Then Dessert

MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI | Yield: 1 9x13 baking dish (approx. 9-12 servings) | Total Time: 1hr

*NOTE: If you don't want to eat this for a solid week, or don't have a large family to feed, I would suggest cutting this recipe in half!

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente* (or substitute your favorite pasta)
1 lb ground beef or sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
6 C marinara sauce* (I use Newman's Own brand)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 C shredded mozzarella cheese
parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Brown beef/sausage together with onions, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess liquid, then add 1 C of marinara sauce. Stir to combine.

While browning the meat, in a separate pot, boil the pasta to al dente. Drain, transfer to a bowl, and add remaining 5 C marinara. Stir to combine.

In a separate small bowl, mix together cream cheese and 2 C mozzarella.

Transfer half the pasta/sauce to a 9x13 baking dish.

Top with the cream cheese mixture, and add the with remaining pasta/sauce mixture on top.

Spread the meat sauce on top of the pasta, and sprinkle with remaining 1 C mozzarella.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Serving suggestions: breadsticks/garlic knots, Caesar salad, wine :)