Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo is a rich and comforting casserole combining savory ground beef meat sauce with creamy, cheesy Alfredo-coated spaghetti. Baked to perfection with layers of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a decadent twist on classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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, combine ground beef, finely diced onion, and green bell pepper. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Season the sauce with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles directly into the Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce, creating a luscious base for the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the Alfredo-coated spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish. Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer, ensuring full coverage. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese along with the 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the cheeses are fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with dried parsley flakes for a fresh, colorful presentation.
Notes
- For best results, cook spaghetti noodles al dente to avoid mushy texture in casserole.
- You can adjust Cajun seasoning to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Fresh garlic can be substituted with garlic powder if desired, but fresh adds better flavor.
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan instead of pre-grated for creamier sauce and better melting.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Optional garnish of parsley adds a nice color contrast but can be omitted without affecting taste.
