Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti noodles with flavorful ground beef meat sauce and a luscious homemade alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This comforting dinner is perfect for family meals and guaranteed to impress with layers of cheesy goodness and savory seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
Meat Sauce
- 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)
Alfredo Sauce
- 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
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Cook 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Cook meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 pound ground beef, 1 finely diced small onion, 1 finely diced green bell pepper, 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Break up the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Simmer meat sauce: Stir in 24 ounces marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Make alfredo sauce: In a Dutch oven or large stockpot, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream, 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and alfredo sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the alfredo sauce and stir thoroughly until noodles are well coated.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the alfredo-coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top with the meat sauce.
- Add cheese topping and bake: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is beloved for its rich, creamy texture combined with flavorful meat sauce, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners.
- For best results, be sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente before baking to avoid mushy noodles.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option if preferred.
- Frozen spinach or mushrooms can be added to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
- If you like it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or alfredo sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and often taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 887 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1244 mg
- Fat: 59 g
- Saturated Fat: 33 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 183 mg
