Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe

I absolutely love this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe because it s one of those dishes that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate. It s creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors that make weeknight dinners feel extra special without a ton of fuss. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create something so indulgently delicious.

You ll find that this recipe works perfectly when you want a crowd-pleaser or a cozy family meal that everyone raves about. Plus, it s super adaptable-you can tweak the meat sauce or toppings to suit your mood. Trust me, once you make this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe, it ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe really shines through each ingredient. I always recommend using fresh garlic and quality Parmesan-it makes a world of difference in flavor depth without much extra work.

• Regular Spaghetti: I stick with classic spaghetti noodles as they hold the sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness to your cream sauce and helps mellow out the garlic.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key for that punch of flavor; you can t get that from powders or pre-minced jarred garlic.
• Heavy Cream: This makes your sauce decadently creamy and just thick enough to coat every noodle perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings that traditional spaghetti taste into the cream and meat sauces.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples build extra flavor layers without overpowering the fresh garlic.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essentials to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): I love adding a pinch for a subtle kick, but skip them if you prefer mild dishes.
• Fresh Shaved Parmesan Cheese: Using freshly shaved or grated Parmesan yields a richer, nuttier flavor than pre-packaged powders.
• Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage, chicken, turkey): I ve tried both sausage and beef-sausage adds extra spice, but beef keeps it classic and hearty.
• Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These add sweetness and crunch; don t skimp on dicing them finely for even cooking.
• Jar of Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce; fresh flavors always improve the final dish.
• Water: This helps recover every bit of sauce left in the jar so none goes to waste.
• Sugar: Just a little balances acidity in the tomato sauce and brightens flavors.
• Freshly Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The melty topping that makes every baked bite irresistible.
• Parsley (fresh or dried): A fresh sprinkle at the end lifts the dish and adds a pop of color.

Variations

I love encouraging everyone to make this recipe their own. Over time, I ve experimented with a few variations depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs, and they all turn out wonderful.

• Swap the Meat: When I wanted something lighter, I used ground turkey instead of beef, and the recipe still had that hearty feel without the extra fat.
• Vegetarian Version: I replaced the meat with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini-it s surprisingly filling and keeps the dish comforting.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Adding chopped spinach or kale to the cream sauce ups the nutrition and adds vibrant color.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Sometimes I double the red pepper flakes for a bolder kick, but you can easily omit or reduce for kids.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti Perfectly

Start by boiling your spaghetti in a big pot of well-salted water until it s just al dente-meaning it still has a slight bite but isn t hard. This is crucial because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, and you don t want mushy noodles. Once done, drain and set it aside while you make the sauces.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

Melt your salted butter in a skillet on medium heat, then add minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant-don t let it brown or burn! Next, carefully stir in the heavy cream and your seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you re feeling adventurous. Lower the heat and slowly mix in the shaved Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is silky and smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Pasta and Sauce

Toss your cooked spaghetti in the creamy Alfredo sauce until every strand is coated. Spread the saucy pasta evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish-that even layer ensures a perfect bake and great texture in every bite.

Step 4: Make the Flavorful Meat Sauce

In another skillet, brown your ground beef with diced onions and green peppers until fully cooked and fragrant. Drain any excess grease to prevent sogginess. Stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce along with water (to get all the sauce from the jar), Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powders, salt, black pepper, sugar, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the meat sauce gently over the spaghetti layer-don t stir, or you ll lose the beautiful layers you created. Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melty. Garnish with parsley before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright touch-it s simple but classy, and that little green pop makes the whole dish look restaurant-worthy. Sometimes I add a little extra shaved Parmesan right before serving for that final cheesy flourish.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this baked spaghetti with a crisp Caesar salad or simple garlic bread. The salad cuts through the richness, while the bread soaks up every last bit of sauce-making every bite a total delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special family dinners, I bake the spaghetti in small individual ramekins-everybody gets their own cheesy, bubbly casserole, which feels extra special and cuts down on mess. You could also add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking for a crunchy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. In my experience, this dish reheats well in both the microwave and the oven, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I often assemble the whole dish, wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze it for up to two months. When it s time to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake straight from chilled-it comes out almost like freshly made!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly to keep the cheese from drying out. If you re in a rush, a microwave works well-just cover loosely and stir midway to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns everyday ingredients into something truly comforting and memorable. Whenever I serve it, my family goes crazy over the creamy layers and cheesy goodness, and it s become one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want a simple, hearty meal without the hassle. I hope you ll give it a try and find it as delightful and rewarding as I do-it s like a little slice of joy baked right into your dinner table.

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 64 reviews

• Author: Lucy
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a decadent casserole combining creamy Alfredo-coated spaghetti and a rich meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection. This dish offers a comforting blend of garlic-infused cream sauce and hearty Italian-seasoned ground beef, making it a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or make-ahead occasions.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

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 rinse out the sauce 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

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to prepare it for baking the assembled casserole.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the regular spaghetti in salted water until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and gradually mix in the shaved Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted.
4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Combine the cooked spaghetti with the Alfredo sauce and place this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Make Meat Sauce: In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef with diced yellow onion and green bell pepper until fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce, water (to get all sauce from the jar), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and optional red pepper flakes, mixing well.
6. Assemble Casserole: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the Alfredo-coated spaghetti in the baking dish, taking care not to stir the layers.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer.
8. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh or dried chopped parsley, and serve warm.

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Notes

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