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.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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
For Assembly:
- 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 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
