Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti noodles coated in luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, layered with a flavorful Cajun-seasoned ground beef marinara, and topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This crowd-pleasing casserole combines bold seasoning and creamy textures, making it a perfect indulgent weeknight dinner that’s impressive yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

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 ounces 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Begin cooking the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook Meat and Vegetables: 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 Italian seasoning. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink and the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
Simmer Meat Sauce: Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
Prepare Alfredo Sauce: While the meat sauce simmers, melt the butter in a dutch oven or large stock pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a smooth Alfredo sauce.
Combine Pasta with Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce and stir well to coat the noodles completely in the creamy sauce.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the Alfredo coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the top of the noodles.
Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese followed by shredded parmesan cheese over the meat sauce layer. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle dried parsley flakes over the top if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your rich, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti.

Notes

This recipe is beloved for its rich, creamy sauces and hearty layers, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.
The combination of Cajun seasoning and Italian herbs adds a delicious depth of flavor to the meat sauce.
Using freshly minced garlic in the Alfredo sauce enhances the aroma and overall taste dramatically.
For a lighter version, consider substituting half-and-half for heavy cream, though it will affect the richness and thickness of the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

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