Pin it
My decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti has turned into the go-to dish I bring to family events and shared meals. When creamy alfredo meets hearty meat sauce, you get an amazing pasta creation that totally earns its fancy name.
The first time I whipped this up was for my sister's birthday last year, and now everyone asks for it whenever we get together. Seeing their happy faces after they try that first bite makes all the cooking worth it.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles: Boiled until just firm enough to hold up during baking
- Ground beef: Gives that filling protein punch and rich base for your sauce
- Onion and bell pepper: Brings lovely smells and natural sweetness
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a nice warmth that works well with the smooth, creamy parts
- Jarred marinara sauce: Cuts down your cooking time but still tastes homemade
- Butter: Creates that smooth base for your homemade white sauce
- Fresh garlic: Gives the alfredo a wonderful flavor boost
- Heavy cream: Makes everything super velvety and extra special
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a tasty tang and naturally thickens everything up
- Mozzarella cheese: Gives you that awesome stretchy cheese pull everyone wants
How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Get Everything Ready:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and give a 9x13inch dish a quick spray. Start your spaghetti cooking but keep it slightly firm since it'll cook more in the oven later.
- Whip Up The Meat Sauce:
- Grab a big pan and cook your ground beef, chopped onion, diced pepper, and all your spices over mediumhigh heat. Keep breaking up the meat until it's fully browned and the veggies are soft, about 10 minutes. Pour off the extra fat, mix in your marinara, turn the heat down, and let it bubble gently for 15 minutes. Stir it now and then to mix all those yummy flavors.
- Fix The Alfredo Sauce:
- While your meat sauce cooks, melt some butter in a big pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped garlic and cook just till you can smell it, about half a minute. Don't let it brown. Pour in your cream, add the parmesan, salt and pepper. Keep cooking gently until everything's melted and slightly thickened.
- Put It All Together:
- Drop your cooked pasta straight into the alfredo sauce and mix until every noodle is coated with creamy goodness. Dump this mix into your baking dish as your bottom layer. Spread your meat sauce evenly on top so it covers all the creamy pasta.
- Bake It Up:
- Scatter mozzarella and extra parmesan all over the top. Bake without covering for 15 minutes until the cheese gets all melty and bubbly around the edges. Sprinkle some dried parsley on top before you serve it to make it look pretty.
Pin it
The cajun seasoning is my hidden trick in this dish. I found it by chance when I ran out of Italian spices and had to get creative. It adds just enough heat to cut through all that cheese and makes everything taste just right. My hubby won't eat it any other way now.
Make Ahead Options
You can easily put this Million Dollar Spaghetti together ahead of time. Set up the whole dish up to a day before you need it, wrap it tight with plastic, and stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, let it sit out for half an hour, then add about 10-15 more minutes to your baking time since it'll be cold to start. The funny thing is, it actually tastes better when the flavors have time to mix, so it's great to make in the morning for a dinner party.
Perfect Pairings
This special spaghetti needs some good sidekicks. I always serve some garlic bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce and a basic green salad with tangy dressing to balance out the richness. For a full Italian dinner experience, start with some antipasto on toothpicks or some fresh tomato bruschetta. A nice red wine like Chianti or Merlot goes great with all the flavors in this dish.
Customization Ideas
You can switch this recipe up however you want. If you like things hot, throw in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to your meat sauce. Want more stuff in it? Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture. Not feeling beef? Try Italian sausage or ground turkey instead. You can even skip meat altogether and use a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a plant-based version.
Pin it
Storage And Reheating
Any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti will stay good in a sealed container in your fridge for about 4 days. When you warm it up, add a little splash of milk or cream first to keep it from drying out. Single servings can go in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until they're hot. For bigger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for around 20 minutes. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months if you store it right in freezer-safe containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to try another pasta shape?
Definitely! Swap out spaghetti for penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente beforehand.
- → Can I prepare this ahead?
Sure thing. Assemble it a day earlier, keep it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready. Add a little more bake time if it’s chilled.
- → What can I replace the ground beef with?
Try swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. Adjust spices to your liking.
- → Does it freeze well?
Yep, this dish freezes great. Put it in a freezer-safe pan, uncooked, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Leave out the meat and stir in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a flavorful vegetarian version.