Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, creamy baked spaghetti casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, a flavorful marinara meat sauce, and a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan. Topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and baked until bubbly and golden, this hearty dish makes a crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for family meals or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 ounces spaghetti noodles (cooked al dente)

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 ounce jar marinara sauce

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)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Cook 16 ounces 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 small finely diced 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 the 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.
Make Alfredo Sauce: In a Dutch oven or large stock pot, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves 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 until cheese is melted and sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently.
Combine Pasta with Alfredo: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce and stir until noodles are evenly coated.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the Alfredo spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

This recipe combines a creamy Alfredo sauce with a flavorful meat marinara for a rich and satisfying baked spaghetti dish.
Cooking spaghetti al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
The cajun seasoning adds a nice kick but can be adjusted to taste or omitted.
Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
Leftovers reheat well covered in the oven or microwave.
Use fresh garlic for best flavor in the Alfredo sauce.
Dried parsley flakes are optional but add a nice touch of color and freshness as a garnish.

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