Description
Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and hearty casserole combining al dente spaghetti tossed in a garlicky Alfredo sauce layered with a savory Italian meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting dish bakes to bubbly perfection and is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta Layer
- 1 lb Regular Spaghetti
- 4 tbsp Salted Butter
- 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 3 oz Fresh Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 cup Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 24 oz Jar Spaghetti Sauce
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Topping
- 8 oz Freshly Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh or Dried Chopped Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the assembled casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until it is al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat to low and slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Alfredo: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Alfredo sauce thoroughly and spread evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In another skillet, brown the ground beef along with diced onion and green bell pepper. Drain excess grease. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and cook until heated through.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the Alfredo-coated pasta without stirring.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat sauce layer.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh or dried chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish up to one day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezer: The unbaked casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Meat Variations: Ground Italian sausage, chicken, or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
