Name: Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces spaghetti noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, finely diced; 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 24 ounces marinara sauce (jarred); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)

There’s something about a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with comforting pasta and savory meat that just feels like a warm hug. This Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe is exactly that—rich, flavorful, and satisfying in the best way. It’s the kind of meal that quickly became one of my go-to weeknight favorites and I bet you’ll love it just as much.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish with spaghetti casserole inside. The bottom layer is golden cooked spaghetti noodles, topped with a thick bright red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat. On top of the sauce is a thick layer of melted white cheese, browned slightly in spots with green herbs sprinkled over it. A silver serving spoon lifts a portion, and strands of melted cheese stretch from the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always searching for dishes that bring a wow factor without complicated steps, and this Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe nails that balance. It’s not just tasty—it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to put together.

Rich and comforting: Creamy alfredo meets hearty meat sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need right in your pantry and fridge.
Perfect for meal prep: This bakes beautifully ahead of time and reheats even better.
Family and guest favorite: I’ve served this for casual dinners and everyone asks for seconds!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish brings together classic Italian-American flavors with a creamy twist. The combination of a spiced meat sauce layered over garlic parmesan alfredo-coated pasta makes for a rich, satisfying casserole that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Flat lay of cooked al dente spaghetti noodles arranged neatly, one pound of raw ground beef shaped into a compact mound, a small white ceramic bowl with finely diced small onion, another bowl with finely diced green bell pepper, a small white bowl holding a mix of cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning, a simple white bowl filled with rich red marinara sauce, a half cup of unsalted butter in a white ceramic dish, four whole uncracked garlic cloves spread naturally, a white bowl of heavy cream, a white bowl piled with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with kosher salt and black pepper, a separate white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, and a tiny white dish holding dried parsley flakes, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spaghetti noodles: Cooked al dente to absorb just enough sauce without getting mushy when baked.
Ground beef: Provides hearty, flavorful protein; I love a 80/20 blend for juiciness.
Onion and green bell pepper: Adds a bit of sweetness and freshness to balance the richness.
Cajun seasoning: Gives a subtle kick and depth—don’t skip this or the Italian seasoning.
Marinara sauce: The tangy base for the meat portion, contrasting beautifully with the cream sauce.
Butter and garlic: The starting point for such a luscious alfredo sauce—fresh garlic is key here.
Heavy cream: Creates that silky texture that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and melts smoothly into the cream for authentic flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Melted on top to create that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the layers together.
Optional parsley flakes: Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this casserole depending on what I have on hand or the mood. It’s really forgiving and welcomes your spin—whether that’s swapping out the beef or adding veggies.

Variation: I once swapped ground beef for Italian sausage and it was a game changer—added so much extra flavor and spice.
Vegetarian option: Try using plant-based crumbles or a medley of mushrooms for a meatless version that’s still hearty.
Cheese twists: Feel free to mix in some provolone or fontina for different melting qualities and flavors.
Spice level: If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning—though I recommend keeping a pinch for depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a generous serving of spaghetti layered with thick orange-colored sauce mixed with small pieces of browned meat, diced onions, and melted white cheese on top. The pasta strands are twisted and coated well in the sauce, creating a textured look. Behind this plate, there is a blurred second plate with a similar spaghetti dish and white cheese melted on top. To the left, a clear glass containing iced tea with a lemon wedge is visible. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface with a soft white fabric in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook pasta perfectly al dente

First things first: cook your spaghetti until just firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles turn mushy in the oven, so set a timer and test a strand a minute or two before the package’s suggested time. Once done, drain and set aside to cool slightly while you prep the sauces.

Step 2: Build your flavorful meat sauce

In a wide skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and green bell pepper. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs—this spice combo really layers the flavor beautifully. Cook until beef is no longer pink and veggies are tender, then drain the excess fat. Pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Whip up that rich alfredo sauce

While the meat sauce simmers, melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter. Slowly stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the parmesan melts and the sauce thickens just a bit. This creamy base is what takes your spaghetti to the next level.

Step 4: Combine and layer

Toss your cooked spaghetti noodles with the creamy alfredo sauce until well coated—this is what keeps every bite flavorful and moist after baking. Spread this mixture evenly in your greased 9x13-inch dish, then spoon the meat sauce on top. Don’t worry about perfect layering; a rustic look is part of the charm here.

Step 5: Cheese it and bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a bit of extra parmesan evenly over the top to create that irresistible, bubbling cheese crust. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. You’ll want to watch closely toward the end to avoid over-browning.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once out of the oven, I like sprinkling dried parsley flakes for a fresh pop of color—totally optional but nice for presentation. Serve up generous scoops and watch everyone dig in happily!

Top Tip

After making this Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe a handful of times, I learned a few tricks to keeping everything perfectly creamy without turning soupy. These tips have saved me from wasting a batch or ending up with dry edges.

Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking the spaghetti just right ensures it absorbs the sauce well but keeps a nice bite after baking.
Simmer the meat sauce: Give the marinara and spice mix some time to meld and deepen the flavor before assembling.
Use full-fat cream and cheese: They melt better and create that silky texture key to this dish’s “million dollar” appeal.
Watch the bake time: 15 minutes is just enough to melt cheese and warm through; longer can dry it out, so keep an eye.

How to Serve Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little dried parsley for color, but fresh basil or chopped green onions work beautifully too. Adding a crack of fresh pepper on top just before serving amps up the aroma and taste.

Side Dishes

I like to keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli for a touch of green freshness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect if you want to turn up the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked this spaghetti casserole in smaller individual ramekins—makes everyone feel special and adds a bit of fun presentation flair. You can also sprinkle different cheeses or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. It stays creamy and flavorful for up to 3 days—great for quick lunches or dinners the following days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well. Just assemble fully (don’t bake), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and pasta tender, about 15-20 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but long strands like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best to hold onto the creamy sauce. Short pasta shapes might change the texture slightly.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or healthier?

To lighten it up, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk (though it won’t be as rich), use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and cut back slightly on the cheese. Adding extra veggies also stretches it further and adds nutrition.

What’s the key to preventing this casserole from becoming watery?

Drain your cooked pasta well and avoid overcooking it. Also, make sure to drain excess grease from the meat sauce. These steps help maintain the perfect creamy, not soggy, consistency.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that always makes me feel like I’ve treated myself—and my loved ones—to something special, even on a busy weeknight. It’s warm, comforting, indulgent, and just so easy to throw together. Invite some friends or simply cozy up with leftovers; either way, it’s a winner every time, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do.