Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring spaghetti noodles coated in a decadent alfredo sauce layered with a flavorful cajun-spiced ground beef marinara and topped with plenty of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This comforting casserole combines the best of creamy and savory flavors for a deliciously indulgent dinner that serves 8 and is perfect for family meals or special occasions.
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
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Cook ground beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Break up the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink and vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes.
- Simmer meat sauce: Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Make alfredo sauce: In a dutch oven or large stock pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine noodles and alfredo sauce: Add cooked spaghetti noodles to the alfredo sauce and stir to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the alfredo-coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the meat sauce.
- Add cheese toppings and bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with dried parsley flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Notes
- This recipe combines both alfredo and marinara sauces for a creamy yet tangy depth of flavor.
- To save time, cook spaghetti noodles while preparing the meat sauce simultaneously.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor in the alfredo sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add extra cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Dried parsley flakes add a fresh herbal finish but can be omitted if not available.
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
