If you are searching for a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe is exactly what you need to bring pure joy to your table. This scrumptious casserole combines creamy Alfredo sauce, hearty seasoned ground beef, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Every bite bursts with flavor, texture, and warmth, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special without complicated steps. Get ready to fall in love with how simple ingredients come together in the most magnificent way possible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that deliver rich flavors and satisfying textures. Each component plays a crucial role – from the savory spices that elevate the meat sauce to the creamy cheese blend that coats every strand of spaghetti.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base with comforting heartiness.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced: Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: Brings a warm, spicy kick that awakens the palette.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory undertones with ease.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall complexity of the meat sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Infuses an aromatic herbaceous note that complements the sauce perfectly.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: Anchors the meat sauce with tangy tomato goodness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Creates the luscious base of the Alfredo sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds vibrant, fragrant flavor for rich garlic warmth.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Provides the silky, luxurious creaminess Alfredo sauce is known for.
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the sauce a sharp, nutty character.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances all ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked to al dente: The perfect pasta foundation that holds the sauce well.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a gooey, stringy topping that brings the whole dish together.
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds an extra cheesy layer on top for visual appeal and flavor bonus.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional): Provides a fresh, herby garnish to brighten the rich casserole.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef with the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Adding Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning creates layers of flavor that make this sauce unforgettable. Once the meat is browned and the veggies are tender, drain any excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
While the meat sauce simmers, prepare the creamy Alfredo sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven. Melt the butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which takes just a minute or two. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, gradually whisk in shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns smooth and just slightly thick. A sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper balances the sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce
Add the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles directly into the Alfredo sauce pot. Toss the noodles thoroughly so that each strand is fully coated in that rich, velvety sauce – this is where the magic truly starts to happen.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the Alfredo-coated spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, pour the savory meat sauce on top and spread it out smoothly. Finally, blanket the casserole with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, which will melt into a delightful golden crust. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully melted. A sprinkle of dried parsley flakes on top just before serving adds a lovely touch of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of fresh or dried parsley provides not only a bright green pop but also a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for those cheese enthusiasts who want even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty spaghetti Alfredo casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The fresh, crunchy sides help balance the creamy and cheesy main dish perfectly, making the whole meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe in individual ramekins for elegant single servings at a dinner party. Alternatively, top with sliced fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and zesty flavor contrast. You could also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic reduction around the plate for restaurant-style flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this spaghetti Alfredo casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in shorter bursts to avoid drying out the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or milk when reheating can restore some of that fresh creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based meat alternatives to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is the Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe?
The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of seasoning or skip it altogether.
Can I prepare the sauces ahead of time?
You can make both the meat sauce and Alfredo sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with the pasta just before assembling and baking.
What is the best cheese to use for the topping?
Mozzarella is ideal for that gooey, melty topping, but feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for extra creaminess and flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves rich, satisfying comfort food with a bit of flair. The combination of creamy Alfredo, hearty meat sauce, and cheesy goodness is a guaranteed way to impress yourself and your loved ones. Give it a try and discover your new favorite go-to casserole that never fails to deliver big flavors and big smiles!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo is a rich and comforting casserole that combines savory Cajun-spiced ground beef marinara with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce over al dente spaghetti noodles, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering layers of bold flavors and creamy textures baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
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 marinara sauce
Alfredo Sauce
- 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 diced onion, green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes.
- Drain Excess Grease: After cooking, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the sauce rich but not oily.
- Simmer Marinara Sauce: Stir marinara sauce into the browned meat mixture, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Season the Alfredo: Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Combine Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked, drained spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce and toss thoroughly until noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the Alfredo-coated spaghetti evenly in the baking dish. Layer the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the meat layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with dried parsley flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo!
Notes
- For best results, cook spaghetti noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft after baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meat sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To save time, prepare the meat sauce and Alfredo sauce simultaneously using two burners.
