Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds 85/15 lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 (24 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound uncooked cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup tap water
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 ounce part-skim low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, pepper, onion powder, and 3 teaspoons of the salt until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Add the beef mixture, spaghetti sauce, pasta, and water to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir until well combined and the pasta is fully covered in liquid. Cover and cook on Low until most of the pasta is al dente, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth.
- Dollop and spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and continue to cook on Low until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted, about 25 minutes more.
- Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper, if desired.
Notes
- This dish is called ‘Million Dollar’ for its rich, creamy cheese sauce.
- Using a slow cooker simplifies the process and allows flavors to meld.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly.
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg