LOW CARB MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI

Indulge in the epitome of comfort and richness with this Low Carb Million Dollar Spaghetti, a culinary masterpiece that transforms traditional spaghetti into a low-carb, high-flavor sensation. This dish boasts a harmonious blend of zucchini noodles, marinara sauce, a velvety layer of ricotta and cream cheese, lean ground beef, and a crowning glory of melted mozzarella cheese. Immerse yourself in the symphony of flavors as you savor each hearty and delicious bite, sans the guilt of excessive carbs.

This low carb million dollar spaghetti is so hearty and delicious – without all the carbs!  It has all the things you love like marinara sauce, a creamy layer with ricotta and cream cheese, zucchini noodles, and lean ground beef all topped off with some mozzarella cheese.

PREP TIME30 minutes

COOK TIME42 minutes

TOTAL TIME1 hour 12 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 medium sized zucchini, spiralized into zucchini noodles
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 3 teaspoons dried Italian Seasoning
  • 24 ounces Marinara sauce, divided (I use Raos Marinara)
  • 8 ounces Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Add the zucchini noodles to a large pot and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook over medium high heat for 2 minutes, stirring often. Place the zoodles in a strainer and stir now and then while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. (This will cause the zucchini to give off some of its liquid and not be so runny.)
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add ground meat, Italian Seasoning and 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes or until no pink remains.
  4. Add 3 cups of marinara to the meat mixture, fold together and set aside.
  5. Next, in a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, nutmeg and parsley.
  6. Now, give the zoodles a good squeeze to drain off more liquid. Then in a large mixing bowl add the zucchini noodles and 16 ounces of marinara/spaghetti sauce and fold together.
  7. Add half the zucchini noodles and sauce to a 9×13 baking dish.
  8. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
  9. Add the rest of the zucchini noodles and sauce to the ricotta cheese layer.
  10. Next, layer on the meat sauce.
  11. Top with 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
  12. Bake uncovered until the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges, about 30-35 minutes.
  13. Remove from the oven and garnish with more parsley and parmesan cheese if desired, allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, then enjoy.

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NUTRITION INFORMATION

Yield

12

Serving Size

8-10 ouncesAmount Per ServingCalories416Total Fat25gSaturated Fat12gTrans Fat0gUnsaturated Fat10gCholesterol111mgSodium1007mgCarbohydrates13gNet Carbohydrates9gFiber4gSugar7gProtein34g

Cooking Harmony:

Place this culinary symphony in the preheated oven and bake for 42 minutes or until the flavors meld together in perfect harmony. The mozzarella cheese should achieve a golden, bubbly crescendo.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a final touch of elegance. Slice into portions and serve this Low Carb Million Dollar Spaghetti to eager guests, promising a journey of flavors that transcends traditional expectations.

Useful Information:

Marinara Sauce Choice: The recipe suggests Raos Marinara for its rich, authentic flavor. However, feel free to explore and select your preferred low-carb marinara sauce to tailor the dish to your taste.

Zoodle Optimization: Properly draining the zucchini noodles ensures the dish maintains a delightful texture. This step is crucial for preventing excess moisture, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of flavors.

Cheese Fusion: The ricotta and cream cheese combination, enhanced with nutmeg and parsley, contributes a luxurious layer to the dish. This cheese fusion is a hallmark of the Million Dollar Spaghetti experience.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Low Carb Million Dollar Spaghetti is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey that marries health-conscious choices with the irresistible allure of a classic favorite. This dish is a testament to the art of low-carb cooking, where flavor and comfort coexist seamlessly. Elevate your dining experience with this symphony of flavors that transforms every bite into a celebration of culinary artistry.