Replying to @Cake Gawd Million dollar pasta is my go to and definitely a favorite in our house! Whether we’re doing spaghetti, rigatoni, or something else.. I serve this with corn + a nice side salad and you really can’t go wrong!! Let’s get into part 3 of my 30 for $30 series, where I’m showing y'all how to make 30 budget meals for under $30. This meal came out BOMBBBB and the total was under $25 for my family of 3. Here’s how to make it:
WHAT YOU NEED:
- 1lb ground beef
- 16oz box @barilla pasta of your choice
- 1/2 block @Philly Cream Cheese cream cheese
- 1 cup @Daisy Brand sour cream
- 24oz jar Simply @RAGÚ® Sauce traditional sauce
- Seasonings of your choice! I used @Kinder's Flavors “the blend” seasoning + Great Value Italian seasoning
- 8oz Kraft shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8oz Kraft shredded Italian blend cheese
- 8x8 @Pyrex baking dish
HOW TO MAKE IT:
- Preheat oven to 350
- Season and Brown 1lb ground beef; drain
- Boil 16 ounce box pasta of your choice according to box instructions
- Prepare cream mixture and set aside
- Once browned and drained, mix ground beef and spaghetti sauce of choice
- In an oiled baking dish, layer your pasta with cream mixture // sauce + beef, pasta, cream mixture - repeat layers until you reach the top of the dish
- Top with 1/2cup each of shredded cheddar cheese + shredded Italian cheese
- Bake in oven on 350 for 20min
- For nice crust, broil in oven on low for an additional 5-10min until desired color
**CREAM MIXTURE:
- 4oz (1/2 block) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- season to taste (Kinder’s “the blend” seasoning + Italian seasoning)
- 1/2cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1/2cup shredded sharp cheddar
#quickdinner #budgetmeals #dinnerideas #mealprep #under30dollars
Delicious Dinner Ideas Under $30, quick and easy family dinner ideas, family dinner, Budget meal ideas, family meals on a budget, black girl cook with me recipes, easy dinner ideas on a budget, meal prep tips for budget-friendly dinners, recipe of the day, food tutorial, cook with me, cooking at home
The Million Dollar Pasta recipe is an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals without breaking the bank. Using affordable and readily available ingredients like 1lb of 80% lean grass-fed ground beef, a 16oz box of Barilla pasta, Philadelphia cream cheese, Daisy Brand sour cream, and RAGÚ spaghetti sauce ensures a balance of protein, dairy, and carbohydrates that satisfies all ages. To enhance the richness of the dish, a cream mixture is prepared by blending softened cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and two types of cheeses—sharp cheddar and Italian blend—creating a luscious and creamy base when combined with the pasta and meat sauce layers. Baking the pasta at 350°F for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld, while broiling at a low temperature for an additional 5 to 10 minutes gives the dish a desirable golden crust. This step creates an attractive presentation and adds a subtle texture contrast to the creamy interior. This recipe is versatile enough to use any type of pasta like spaghetti or rigatoni, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry availability. Serving with simple sides such as corn and a fresh salad rounds out the meal, making it both wholesome and satisfying. Leveraging budget-friendly yet quality ingredients like grass-fed ground beef ensures meal nutrition without excess cost. Including widely accessible seasonings like Kinder’s "the blend" and Italian seasoning elevates the flavor profile without requiring specialty spices. Additionally, this recipe fits well into meal prep routines since it can be made in an 8x8 Pyrex dish and easily reheated, supporting busy families seeking time-saving dinner ideas. The meal is structured to feed three people under $25, providing cost efficiency for multiple servings. Overall, Million Dollar Pasta is a highly recommended budget meal that balances taste, nutrition, and affordability. It supports goals for quick dinners, family meal planning, and budget-conscious cooking without sacrificing quality or flavor.
See more comments