Description
Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a rich and creamy casserole layered with perfectly cooked spaghetti, a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, hearty Italian-seasoned meat sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting dish combines the flavors of classic spaghetti with a delicious baked twist, making it a family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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 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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and all seasonings, reduce heat to low, and slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Alfredo sauce and spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion and green bell pepper over medium heat, breaking the meat apart. Drain excess grease. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, water, seasonings, and sugar; cook until heated through and flavors meld.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the pasta layer in the baking dish, but do not stir. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh or dried parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezer: Freeze the unbaked assembled dish tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Meat Variations: Ground Italian sausage, chicken, or turkey can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
- Spicing: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
