There’s something absolutely comforting about a cheesy, saucy baked pasta. What makes this one stand out is how every bite of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe bursts with layers of creamy Alfredo, savory meat sauce, and melty mozzarella. It’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a celebration.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made dozens of spaghetti casseroles, but this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe has a special place in my heart (and my stomach). It’s rich without being overwhelming, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
- Decadent Flavor Layers: The combo of creamy Alfredo and zesty meat sauce gives it a depth of flavor you just don’t get with plain spaghetti.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to picky eaters has loved this one at my table.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge already.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s great for meal prep or bringing to gatherings because it reheats like a dream.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a key role in making this casserole outshine average pasta dishes. From the perfectly seasoned ground beef to the creamy cheese blend, these flavors come together in the best way. When shopping, look for the freshest garlic and good-quality shredded cheeses—they really make a difference.
- Spaghetti noodles: Cooking them al dente ensures the noodles won’t get mushy after baking.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor—opt for lean to avoid excess grease.
- Onion & green bell pepper: They soften into the sauce, adding sweetness and a bit of freshness.
- Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning: The spice combo gives the meat sauce a punch without overwhelming.
- Marinara sauce: Be sure to pick your favorite jarred sauce or make your own for the best flavor.
- Unsalted butter & garlic: They elevate the Alfredo sauce with rich, aromatic goodness.
- Heavy cream: The secret behind that silky smooth sauce coating the noodles.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully and adds savory umami notes.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Key for seasoning both sauces to perfection.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible gooey, browned top layer.
- Dried parsley flakes (optional): A pretty, fresh touch to garnish and brighten the plate.
Make It Your Way
I’ve played around with this recipe endlessly, and honestly, it’s pretty flexible. I encourage you to make it your own—add some heat, swap veggies, or try different cheeses to match your taste buds or what’s in your fridge.
- Variation: I once swapped ground beef for Italian sausage and added mushrooms, which gave it a smoky, earthy boost—definitely gave the dish a new personality.
- Dietary tweak: Use ground turkey for a leaner version or lactose-free cream cheese and milk if you're avoiding dairy.
- Seasonal twist: In the summer, throwing in fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes elevates the flavor wonderfully.
- Spice level: If you want some kick, stir in red pepper flakes with the Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly
Start by boiling your spaghetti noodles in salted water until they’re al dente—meaning they’re cooked but still have a tiny bit of bite. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy after baking. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauces.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Veggies
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add your ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Break the beef apart, stirring occasionally until it’s browned, and the veggies are soft—usually about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this; the flavors develop best when your beef has a nice, browned sear.
Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole. Then stir in your marinara sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Whip Up the Alfredo Sauce
While the meat sauce is simmering, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and then stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook this until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens—keep an eye on it and stir often so it doesn’t stick or scorch.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti with Alfredo, then Layer
Toss your cooked spaghetti noodles into the Alfredo sauce, making sure every strand gets luxuriously coated. Transfer the creamy noodles into your prepared baking dish as the first layer, then spread the savory meat sauce evenly over the top.
Step 6: Top and Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan over the casserole generously. Pop it in the oven at 350°F uncovered for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and gets just a hint of golden brown—watch it carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle dried parsley flakes over the top if you like a little green freshness and color. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in eagerly!
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips will help you nail it the first time and every time.
- Cook noodles al dente: This is key to keeping the spaghetti texture pleasing after baking—it won’t get mushy or fall apart.
- Simmer meat sauce low and slow: Taking time here deepens the flavor—don’t rush it or your sauce might taste flat.
- Use fresh garlic in Alfredo: It adds a bright, fresh note that powdered garlic just can’t match.
- Don’t skimp on cheese: Quality parmesan and mozzarella make all the difference—you’ll notice it in every gooey bite.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with some dried parsley flakes for a pop of color, but fresh chopped basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully too. It adds a bit of brightness or heat, depending on what you’re craving that day.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually keep it simple with a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans tossed with a touch of lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or warm rolls are a no-brainer to soak up any leftover sauce, making everything extra satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve had company, I’ve layered this casserole in smaller ramekins for individual servings. It feels a little fancy but takes no extra effort. Another fun twist is baking it in a cast iron skillet for a rustic look with irresistible crispy edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I let the casserole cool, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days, so leftovers last through the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by preparing it fully, then wrapping it in foil and a plastic bag before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat. Texture and flavor stay surprisingly good after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you need it quickly, microwave in intervals but be aware the cheese might not stay as melty.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Definitely! While spaghetti is classic here, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini can work well because they hold sauce nicely and bake up with great texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can still follow the same steps for the sauces to keep that rich, creamy texture.
It’s a bit tricky because the creamy Alfredo and cheeses are key to the flavor and texture. However, you can try vegan butter, dairy-free cream alternatives, and vegan cheeses. The result won’t be exactly the same but still tasty with some tweaks.
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating to enjoy that melty, warm goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is honestly one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease of prep every single time. If you’re ready to wow your friends or just want a satisfying meal that feels luxurious without the fuss, give this a try. I promise, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring spaghetti noodles coated in a luxurious alfredo sauce, layered with a flavorful Cajun-seasoned ground beef marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This hearty dinner is perfect for family meals and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles (cooked al dente)
- 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 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
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, finely diced onion, green bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Break the beef into crumbles and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce with the cooked beef mixture. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a Dutch oven or large stock pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the Alfredo sauce and stir until noodles are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the spaghetti and Alfredo sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the meat marinara sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with dried parsley flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy bake.
- This dish can be assembled the night before and baked fresh the next day for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 887 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1244 mg
- Fat: 59 g
- Saturated Fat: 33 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 183 mg
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