Description
This TikTok Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a decadent and crowd-pleasing pasta dish that combines alfredo and marinara sauces with spaghetti noodles, ground beef, and plenty of cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors, this recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 Onion, diced
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 28 ounce jar Marinara Sauce
Alfredo Sauce
- 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 cups Parmesan Cheese, grated
Other Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti Noodles
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, grated
- Diced Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and diced onions. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add the lean ground beef and increase heat to medium-high; cook until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
- Combine with Marinara: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet or blot with a paper towel to remove fat. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine well with the meat mixture. Set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, adding a generous amount of salt. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese in increments of 1/2 cup, whisking continuously. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Baked Spaghetti: In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Spread the meat and marinara sauce mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Top with the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and, if desired, sprinkle diced parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve the baked spaghetti warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy delight.
Notes
- Ground Beef Type: Use lean ground beef with about 80-85% lean meat content to reduce grease. Drain or blot any excess fat before adding marinara to keep the sauce from becoming oily.
- Marinara Sauce Recommendations: Rao’s marinara sauce is highly recommended for its authentic flavor and quality, available in larger packs at Costco for better value. Carbone’s marinara sauce is another great option if Rao’s is unavailable.
- Source Acknowledgment: This recipe is widely popular on TikTok with many users sharing their versions. If you know the original creator, please reach out to give proper credit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10th of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
