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This indulgent Million Dollar Spaghetti has become my ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and potlucks. The combination of creamy alfredo and rich meat sauce creates an irresistible pasta dish that truly lives up to its name.
I first made this for my sister's birthday dinner last year, and now it's requested at every family gathering. The looks on everyone's faces when they take that first bite makes all the effort worthwhile.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles: Cooked al dente to maintain perfect texture when baked
- Ground beef: Providing hearty protein and savory base for the meat sauce
- Onion and bell pepper: Adding aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness
- Cajun seasoning: Creating a pleasant kick that balances the creamy elements
- Jarred marinara sauce: Making preparation simpler without sacrificing taste
- Butter: Forming the rich foundation for the homemade alfredo sauce
- Fresh garlic: Infusing the alfredo with aromatic depth
- Heavy cream: Creating that luxurious silky texture that makes this dish special
- Parmesan cheese: Adding nutty complexity and thickening the sauce naturally
- Mozzarella cheese: Creating that irresistible melty topping everyone loves
How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13inch baking dish with cooking spray. Begin cooking your spaghetti according to package directions, aiming for al dente texture as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Create The Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over mediumhigh heat, add ground beef, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and all seasonings. Break the beef into small crumbles while cooking until no pink remains and vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease, stir in marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and allow to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Make The Alfredo Base:
- While the meat sauce simmers, melt butter in a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds being careful not to brown it. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Continue cooking gently until cheese completely melts and sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine And Layer:
- Add cooked spaghetti directly to the alfredo sauce, tossing until every strand is generously coated. Transfer this creamy pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish, creating the first layer. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly to cover the alfredo spaghetti completely.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and additional parmesan cheese over the top layer. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling around the edges. Garnish with dried parsley before serving for a pop of color.
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The cajun seasoning in this recipe is my secret weapon. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of Italian seasoning one night and had to improvise. The subtle heat it adds cuts through the richness of the cheeses and creates perfect balance. My husband now refuses to eat this dish without it.
Make Ahead Options
This Million Dollar Spaghetti is perfect for preparing in advance. Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold. The flavors actually develop and improve with time, making this an ideal dish to prepare the morning of a dinner party.
Perfect Pairings
Million Dollar Spaghetti deserves worthy accompaniments. I like to serve it with garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce and a simple side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with antipasto skewers or a light bruschetta. A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with the complex flavors in this dish.
Customization Ideas
This recipe welcomes creative variations. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce. Make it more substantial by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce. For a protein change, substitute Italian sausage or ground turkey for the beef. You can even create a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with a hearty mixture of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
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Storage And Reheating
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream before microwaving to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes until heated through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months if stored properly in freezer-safe containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before layering.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish a day before and refrigerate it. Simply bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold.
- → What substitutions can I make for the meat sauce?
You can substitute ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein. Adjust seasonings as needed to match your preferred flavor profile.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the marinara sauce.