Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy Alfredo-coated spaghetti with a hearty, flavorful meat sauce, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This casserole-style dish is a luxurious, cheesy indulgence that will elevate your weeknight dinners or special occasions with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and comforting: A perfect blend of creamy Alfredo sauce and robust meat sauce creates a decadent and hearty dish.
Cheesy perfection: Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, every bite is gooey and irresistible.
Crowd-pleaser: This casserole serves up to 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies, spices, or cheeses.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready for a stress-free meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat Sauce:

Ground beef: 1 pound
Onion, finely diced: 1 small
Green bell pepper, finely diced: 1
Cajun seasoning: 2 teaspoons
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
Marinara sauce: 24 ounces

For the Alfredo Sauce:

Unsalted butter: ½ cup
Garlic, minced: 4 cloves
Heavy cream: 2 cups
Parmesan cheese, shredded: 2 cups
Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon
Black pepper: ½ teaspoon

For Assembly:

Spaghetti noodles, cooked to al dente: 16 ounces (1 pound)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 2 cups
Parmesan cheese, shredded: 2 tablespoons
Dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish): 2 teaspoons

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Combine the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning.
Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the marinara sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in the shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Combine the Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce

Add the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce.
Toss until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the Alfredo-coated spaghetti evenly in the baking dish.
Layer the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Bake

Bake the casserole, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with dried parsley flakes, if desired, before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace the meat sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant and use marinara sauce.
Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or meat sauce for a kick of heat.
Cheese lovers’ upgrade: Add ricotta cheese or cream cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce layers.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Seafood Alfredo: Substitute shrimp or crab meat for the ground beef for a seafood-inspired casserole.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can save time by using a good-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce.

2. What’s the best type of pasta for this dish?

Spaghetti is traditional, but you can also use fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni for variety.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How can I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Ensure the Alfredo sauce thoroughly coats the spaghetti, and cover the casserole with foil if baking for longer than 15 minutes.

5. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are great alternatives.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli make excellent additions. Add them to the meat sauce or layer them with the pasta.

7. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly, and the dish should be hot throughout.

8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a creamier texture.

9. Can I make this dish lighter?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use lean ground meat or a plant-based meat alternative.

10. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo is a show-stopping casserole that combines the creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce with the hearty satisfaction of a meat sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or simply indulging in comfort food at its finest. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy the ooey-gooey cheesy layers that make this pasta bake truly unforgettable!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo

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Author: sara
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo casserole. This decadent dish combines creamy Alfredo-coated spaghetti with a flavorful meat sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this pasta bake offers a rich, cheesy, and savory experience that everyone will love.

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with onion, green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cook until the meat is browned and vegetables are softened (about 10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in shredded Parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened.
Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

Combine Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce:

Add cooked, drained spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce.
Toss until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce.

Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the Alfredo-coated spaghetti evenly in the dish.
Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

Bake:

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with dried parsley flakes before serving, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Pasta, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American