Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and indulgent baked pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a decadent homemade Alfredo sauce, layered with a flavorful spicy Cajun-seasoned ground beef marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This crowd-pleasing casserole combines the best of Italian-inspired flavors with comforting American-style baking perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces (1 pound) 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
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. If you haven’t done so already, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Break the beef into crumbles and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Simmer the Meat Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce to the cooked beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven or large stockpot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously and cook until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture.
- Combine Pasta with Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce and toss well to thoroughly coat all the noodles in the rich sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the Alfredo-coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Spoon the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer, distributing it evenly.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the extra 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Notes
- This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe has gained popularity due to its rich and flavorful combination of creamy Alfredo and spicy meat sauce that satisfies a wide range of palates.
- Be sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning level to your preferred spice tolerance.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- Adding the parsley flakes at the end gives a fresh, herbaceous aroma and enhances presentation, but it is optional.
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
