Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Transform your pasta night with a rich and comforting dish: Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo. This dish layers cooked spaghetti with creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with a perfectly seasoned beef and marinara mixture, and finishes with a layer of gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s oven-baked to golden perfection, resulting in a comforting, savory, and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for large gatherings or a family dinner, its simple dump-and-bake method saves time without compromising flavor. Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch, and enjoy a truly satisfying dish that feels like pure indulgence.

Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 30 May 2025 23:13:42 GMT
A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese. | zestplate.com

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo transforms traditional pasta night into something extraordinary. The luxurious combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tangy marinara, and perfectly seasoned ground beef creates layers of flavor that will make your family think you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually comes together in just 35 minutes.

I first made this for my daughter's birthday dinner when I was short on time but wanted something special. The look on her face when she took that first bite told me this would become our new family favorite. Three years later, it's still requested for every celebration.

Ingredients

  • Alfredo sauce: Provides a creamy richness that elevates this dish beyond ordinary spaghetti
  • Spaghetti noodles: Create the perfect base look for quality pasta that holds sauce well
  • Ground beef: Adds hearty protein and satisfying texture use 80/20 for best flavor
  • Marinara sauce: Balances the richness of the Alfredo with tangy tomato flavor choose a brand with minimal added sugar
  • Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbs throughout use fresh herbs if available for more vibrant flavor
  • Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible melty topping select whole milk mozzarella for best melt and flavor
  • Parsley: Brightens the final dish with color and fresh flavor use Italian flat leaf for best taste

How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo

Prepare the base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Pour the entire jar of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer. Add your cooked spaghetti noodles and gently fold until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. This base layer is crucial for that million dollar flavor.
Create the meat sauce:
Brown ground beef in a skillet over high heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. The smaller pieces will distribute more evenly throughout the dish. Once fully cooked with no pink remaining, carefully drain all excess grease. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assemble and bake:
Pour the meat sauce evenly over the Alfredo coated spaghetti, creating distinct layers. Spread the shredded mozzarella across the top, making sure to cover the entire surface. The cheese creates that irresistible golden crust everyone will fight over. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. The vibrant green adds both visual appeal and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich dish.
A white bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese. Pin it
A white bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese. | zestplate.com

The Alfredo sauce is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. After years of experimentation, I discovered that using a jar of quality Alfredo instead of making it from scratch not only saves time but creates the perfect creamy base. My grandmother would probably disagree, but even she requested seconds when I served this at our last family gathering.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe welcomes customization to suit your family's preferences. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use a spicy marinara. Vegetarians can substitute the ground beef with plant based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat. The basic formula remains the same creaminess from the Alfredo, heartiness from the protein, and zesty flavor from the marinara.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making this possibly even better the next day. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to maintain creaminess, as the pasta will absorb sauce during storage. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed throughout.

A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce. Pin it
A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce. | zestplate.com

From Pantry to Table

What makes this Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo truly special is how it transforms basic ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a high end Italian restaurant. The secret lies in the layering technique, which allows the flavors to meld while maintaining distinct textures. The bottom layer of Alfredo soaked spaghetti becomes delightfully creamy, while the top layer of meat sauce and melted cheese creates a lasagna like effect that elevates the entire dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options based on your preference.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese to adapt this dish to a dairy-free version.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo

Cheesy layers of Spaghetti Alfredo baked to perfection, perfect for any pasta night.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce
02 1 lb spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions
03 1 lb ground beef
04 24 oz jar marinara sauce
05 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
06 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
07 Parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Pour Alfredo sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Add in the cooked spaghetti and stir to coat the spaghetti in the sauce.

Step 03

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over HIGH heat until fully cooked. Drain the grease and stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.

Step 04

Layer the ground beef mixture over the spaghetti. Top with shredded mozzarella.

Step 05

Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese)
  • Gluten (spaghetti noodles)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 419
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~