Description

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a comforting layered casserole featuring spaghetti tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce, topped with a hearty meat sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This delicious baked pasta dish combines creamy, cheesy flavors with savory ground beef and Italian seasonings, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the 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
1/2-1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
3 oz Fresh Shaved Parmesan Cheese

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb Ground Beef Italian Sausage, chicken or turkey will also work
1 cup Yellow Onion, Diced
1 cup Green Bell Pepper, Diced
24 oz Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
1/4 cup Water (to shake out the jar)
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)

For the Topping

8 oz Freshly Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh or Dried Chopped Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shaved Parmesan cheese, stirring slowly until the sauce is melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Alfredo Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the Alfredo sauce thoroughly, then spread this mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Meat Sauce: In another skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion and green bell pepper over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce, water from the jar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well and heat through.
Layer Meat Sauce: Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the Alfredo-coated spaghetti in the baking dish without stirring to keep the layers distinct.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat sauce layer.
Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh or dried parsley on top for a fresh garnish. Serve hot.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish up to one day before baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked assembled casserole wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg