Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta (regular or whole wheat for a healthier twist)
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (substitute with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works well too for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can swap with extra sour cream or plain yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. I like to keep the heat low and stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the sauce is creamy and smooth. This is the “million dollar” moment—the sauce turns rich and velvety, just like my mom’s magic tomato concoctions from my childhood.
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in that luscious sauce. If your pan isn’t big enough, combine everything in the pasta pot or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately. You’ll want to dig in while it’s warm and gooey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti, recipe, cooking, food
