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Million Dollar pasta

Creamy Million Dollar Pasta: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

Delight in this creamy Million Dollar Pasta, a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that combines layers of cheesy goodness with savory beef and marinara.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Browning before adding helps remove fat.
  • 12 oz Bowtie Pasta Shape holds sauce well.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Adds creaminess and binds the sauce.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Introduces tang and silky texture.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Lightens texture and adds creaminess.
  • 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Convenient flavor addition.
For the Flavorful Finish
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Using two jars creates layered flavor complexity.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Melts beautifully on top.
  • 1 cup Water Ensures even cooking.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Hand Mixer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Pasta
  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  2. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl. Blend until smooth.
  3. In slow cooker, layer half a jar of marinara, half the uncooked pasta, remaining marinara, half a cup of water, half the cooked beef, and the creamy mixture.
  4. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 2.5 hours, checking pasta texture. Adjust cooking time as needed.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover, and cook on low for an additional 20 minutes until melted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

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