Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, decadent baked pasta dish featuring a creamy alfredo sauce mixed with spaghetti noodles, layered with a flavorful seasoned ground beef marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This comforting dinner recipe is perfect for satisfying family meals and has gained popularity for its indulgent flavors and hearty texture.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Begin cooking 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: 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 into crumbles and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink and vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: While the meat sauce simmers, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cheese: 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 the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Alfredo Sauce and Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the alfredo sauce and stir thoroughly until noodles are fully coated with the creamy sauce. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Meat Sauce: Spoon and spread the meat sauce evenly over the top of the coated spaghetti mixture in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes if using, and serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- This recipe is wildly popular because it combines creamy, cheesy alfredo with savory meat sauce, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free cream.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free, but ensure marinara sauce contains no gluten ingredients.
- You can prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate to save time on cooking day.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, maintaining the creamy texture and cheesy topping.
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
