Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole made with spaghetti noodles, seasoned ground beef in marinara sauce, and a rich homemade Alfredo layer topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy dinner recipe is a popular family meal idea, combining creamy pasta, hearty meat sauce, and cheesy baked layers in one dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, potlucks, and comfort food menus, this spaghetti bake delivers a rich and filling combination of flavors. A simple ground beef pasta casserole that uses pantry staples and delivers restaurant-style baked spaghetti at home.

Ingredients

Spaghetti base:

• 16 ounces (1 pound) spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

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-ounce jar marinara sauce

Alfredo layer:

• 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

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
2. 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. Break up the meat as it cooks until browned and vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Drain excess fat, then add marinara sauce. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add cooked spaghetti to the Alfredo sauce and mix until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
7. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer.
8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with parsley flakes if desired. Serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, comforting baked pasta dish that combines creamy Alfredo-coated noodles with a hearty, seasoned meat sauce. The layers of cheese create a bubbly, golden topping that makes every bite satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals.

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Tips

• Cook spaghetti just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
• Let the Alfredo sauce thicken slightly before mixing with pasta for a better texture.
• For easier serving, let the dish rest 5–10 minutes after baking.
• Shred cheese fresh from a block for better melting.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.
• Use a spicy marinara for more heat.
• Replace Parmesan in the Alfredo with a mix of Romano or Asiago cheese.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, it freezes well before or after baking. Store tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead?
Yes, but homemade gives a richer and creamier flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked spaghetti with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a light soup or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness.