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This TikTok spaghetti recipe combines the best of both worlds with a hearty meat sauce layered over alfredo-coated pasta and topped with melty mozzarella. It's the ultimate comfort food that has taken social media by storm for good reason. The combination of creamy and tangy flavors creates a perfect balance that elevates this dish beyond ordinary spaghetti.
I first made this recipe when my teenagers were having friends over, and I needed something that would feed a crowd. The pan was completely empty within minutes, and now it's requested at least once a week in our house.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Adds a rich foundation for sautéing the aromatics
- Onion and green bell pepper: Create a flavorful base for the meat sauce
- Fresh garlic: Provides essential aromatic depth to both sauces
- Ground beef: With 80/20 fat content delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture
- Italian seasoning blend: Saves time while providing complex herb notes
- Jarred spaghetti sauce: Makes this recipe weeknight-friendly
- Spaghetti noodles: Hold up well to both sauces; look for bronze-die pasta for better sauce adhesion
- Butter: Creates the luxurious base for the alfredo sauce
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cream sauce without lumps
- Heavy cream: Provides unmatched richness in the alfredo layer
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the smoothest melt and best flavor
- Mozzarella: Creates that Instagram-worthy cheese pull everyone loves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Red Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add chopped onions and green peppers, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become translucent. The vegetables should not brown but rather sweat and release their flavors. Add minced garlic and cook for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant being careful not to burn it as this will create bitterness. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish. Season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, then pour in the spaghetti sauce. Stir thoroughly and allow to simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt which should make the water taste like the sea. Add spaghetti and cook until just barely al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to preserve the starch that helps sauce adhesion.
- Create the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat until completely liquid but not browning. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Sprinkle flour over the butter-garlic mixture and whisk continuously for a full minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce. Remove pan from heat momentarily and slowly pour in cold cream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Return to medium-low heat and continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Add parmesan cheese in small handfuls, stirring between additions until completely melted and incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Add drained pasta directly to the alfredo sauce pan, gently tossing with tongs until every strand is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta in an even layer, being careful not to mix the two sauces. This creates distinct flavor layers that make this dish special. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. Bake uncovered at 350℉ for exactly 30 minutes until edges are bubbling and cheese is melted and starting to brown in spots. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauces to set slightly.
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My favorite thing about this recipe is how the creamy alfredo sauce coats each strand of spaghetti, creating a buffer that prevents the pasta from becoming soggy even when reheated. I still remember the first time I made this for my family. My youngest son who typically avoids red sauce actually asked for seconds and declared it better than his birthday dinner.
Perfect Make-Ahead Option
This TikTok spaghetti actually improves if made a day ahead. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to allow it to come to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors have time to meld together, creating an even more delicious final product.
Creative Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace the beef for different flavor profiles. Vegetarians can substitute a plant-based meat alternative or simply increase the vegetables with mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use a spicy jarred sauce as your base. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes for variation, though I find traditional spaghetti holds the sauces best.
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Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish truly shines when paired with simple sides that complement without competing. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are ideal for sopping up extra sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with a small appetizer like bruschetta or a caprese salad. This dish is substantial enough to stand alone for a family dinner but elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes TikTok Spaghetti unique?
This dish features a combination of creamy Alfredo sauce and a robust red meat sauce, layered over spaghetti and baked with mozzarella cheese.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the red sauce, Alfredo sauce, and pasta ahead. Assemble the dish, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake when ready.
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan are ideal for a creamy and authentic flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it may not melt as smoothly.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from being too dry?
Mix the cooked pasta thoroughly with the Alfredo sauce to ensure every strand is coated and stays moist during baking.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat are great alternatives. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
- → Do I need to cook the spaghetti fully before baking?
Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, as it will continue to cook and absorb sauce while baking in the oven.