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
Scale
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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 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
