This is called “Million Dollar Spaghetti” but this rendition features only ingredients you get during spring!
Slow Cooker Million Dollar Spaghetti with Spring Veggies is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the abundance of spring produce and the joys of slow cooking. With its layers of savory goodness and vibrant flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious masterpiece.
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Ingredients:
| INGREDIENT | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced |
| Spaghetti noodles | 16 oz, broken in half |
| Marinara sauce | 24 oz jar |
| Mozzarella cheese | 3 cups, shredded |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup, grated (divided) |
| Spring vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes) | 2 cups, chopped |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until it’s no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half of the broken spaghetti noodles on top of the sauce.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with chopped spring vegetables, fresh basil, and olive oil.
- Add the filling: Spread half of the beef and vegetable mixture over the noodles in the slow cooker.
- Add the cheese: Mix the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, then dollop half of this mixture over the beef and vegetable layer. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the layers.
- Repeat the layers: Repeat the layering process once more, starting with marinara sauce and ending with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Slow Cooker Million Dollar Spaghetti with Spring Veggies hot and enjoy!
