If you are craving a truly indulgent pasta dish that combines creamy richness, zesty tomato goodness, and a hearty touch of seasoned beef, then you are in for a treat. The Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe is a soul-satisfying casserole that elevates familiar flavors into a show-stopping meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Imagine tender spaghetti enveloped in luscious Alfredo sauce, layered perfectly with a savory meat sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that bakes into golden perfection. This is comfort food at its most luxurious, and once you try it, it just might become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, easily accessible ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the savory seasonings in the beef mixture to the creamy, cheesy goodness in the Alfredo, every element is essential for crafting this decadent dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base with rich flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced: Brings a mild, fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: Infuses the meat with a warm, spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory aroma.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Builds additional layered flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Adds an herby Mediterranean touch.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: Offers tangy, bright tomato richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: The creamy fat that forms the base of the Alfredo sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides fragrant and slightly sharp notes to the Alfredo.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates that silky, smooth texture to coat the spaghetti.
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese: Essential for thickening and flavoring the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a subtle hint of heat.
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente: The star pasta, providing the satisfying bite to carry the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that bubbly, golden topping.
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional): Adds a pop of green color and a touch of freshness as garnish.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, where you’ll cook the ground beef together with the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Add your Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs for a perfectly seasoned blend. Cook this mixture until the meat is well browned and the veggies are softened, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep the sauce from being too oily. Once that’s done, stir in the marinara sauce, lower the heat, and let the whole thing gently simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to marry the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In a separate large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt your butter to create a rich, velvety start for the Alfredo sauce. Add minced garlic and sauté for just a minute or so until you can smell its intoxicating aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it up to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil. Slowly whisk in the shredded Parmesan cheese, making sure the sauce gets smooth and thickens just right. This is where the magic happens—season the sauce with kosher salt and black pepper, and you have a creamy, dreamy Alfredo that will coat every strand of spaghetti with pure bliss.
Step 3: Combine Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce
Drain your cooked spaghetti noodles until just al dente, then fold them into the luscious Alfredo sauce. Toss well so each noodle becomes beautifully coated in that rich, cheesy goodness, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the Alfredo-coated spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, pour over the robust meat sauce, spreading it out evenly to create that perfect layered effect. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to create a melty, golden crust as it bakes. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate the whole experience. Sprinkle a few dried parsley flakes over the top just before serving to add a fresh pop of color that enhances the dish’s visual appeal. For an extra touch, you could add freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides that balance out the meal. A simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus provide refreshing contrasts. Garlic bread is another classic accompaniment that never fails to delight alongside this creamy pasta masterpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch. You can also transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by filling halved peppers with the baked mixture and topping them with extra cheese before reheating. It’s a great way to impress guests or enjoy a convenient lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to maintain its texture and flavor. This dish reheats well, making it ideal for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish at a later date, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave a single portion, stirring midway, but oven reheating helps maintain the dish’s creamy texture and bubbly, cheesy top perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, you can also try fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente so it holds up well during baking.
Is there a way to make the recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the ground beef and increase the vegetables, or use a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based grounds. You could also add mushrooms for a meaty texture that complements the sauces.
Can I prepare the sauces ahead of time?
Definitely. Both the meat sauce and Alfredo sauce can be made a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge, which actually allows the flavors to deepen. Just reheat gently before assembling and baking.
What cheese works best for the topping?
Mozzarella cheese is perfect for melting and bubbly texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. Using both creates a balanced and appealing crust, but feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina for a different twist.
How can I make this dish less rich?
You can lighten it up by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the texture will be less creamy. Using lean ground beef and cutting back slightly on butter can also reduce richness while maintaining flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe is an absolute winner for those times you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something truly special. Its layers of creamy, cheesy goodness paired with a savory, well-seasoned meat sauce make for an unforgettable meal that feels upscale but is surprisingly easy to prepare. I can’t wait for you to bring this cozy, impressive dish to your dinner table and see it become a beloved favorite just like it is in my kitchen.
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo is a rich and comforting casserole combining a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce with a savory Cajun-spiced meat marinara. Layers of tender spaghetti noodles, ground beef, bell peppers, and a blend of cheeses come together baked to bubbly perfection for a hearty family favorite.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 16 ounces (1 pound) spaghetti noodles, cooked to al dente
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with finely diced onion and green bell pepper, adding Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Brown the meat and soften the vegetables, about 10 minutes, then drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally for flavor integration.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked, drained spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently until all noodles are fully coated with the creamy sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the Alfredo-coated spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish. Pour the prepared meat sauce over the spaghetti layer and spread it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese followed by shredded Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. Remove from oven and optionally garnish with dried parsley flakes to add a fresh color contrast and a hint of herbal flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best results, cook the spaghetti noodles to al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to your preferred level of spiciness.
- If you prefer a thicker Alfredo sauce, simmer it gently a few extra minutes before mixing with the pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
