Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and indulgent baked pasta dish combining creamy Alfredo sauce, flavorful Cajun-seasoned ground beef marinara, and gooey melted cheeses, perfect for a comforting family dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles (cooked al dente)
- 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 and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook 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 ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Break up the beef and cook for about 10 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Drain excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer the meat sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a dutch oven or large stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the sauce until the cheese melts and it thickens slightly, stirring gently.
- Combine Pasta and Alfredo: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce and stir until the noodles are fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the Alfredo-coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and sprinkle with dried parsley flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Notes
- This dish is very rich and filling, perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer more spice, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
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
