Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti

This baked spaghetti is my twist on the viral Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti I spotted everywhere It combines rich homemade alfredo with a hearty tomato meat sauce delicate angel hair pasta and a bubbling layer of cheese baked until perfectly golden This dish turns any Sunday dinner into something extra comforting and showstopping

When I first tried this on a cozy rainy day my family went back for seconds and the leftovers did not last through breakfast

Ingredients

• Angel hair pasta: Choose a brand that cooks up tender and does not clump If you love a slightly chewier noodle use regular or thin spaghetti
• Marinara sauce: Best flavor comes from jarred sauces with minimal sugar and a robust tomato flavor Michaels of Brooklyn or Rao's are my favorite picks
• Cheese: Parmesan for the sauce plus mozzarella provolone and fontina for topping For stretchiness and flavor opt for blocks and grate yourself
• Ground beef: Go for eighty percent lean for richness and flavor without being greasy
• Italian sausage: Mild or hot Both add authentic Italian depth Look for fresh sausage in the butcher case
• Heavy cream: Forms the creamy backbone of the alfredo Choose fresh dairy for clean flavor
• Cream cheese: Adds a velvety body to the sauce Full fat is best for that true creamy finish
• Garlic: Freshly minced cloves rather than jarred or powdered lend real fragrance and punch
• Butter: Quality unsalted butter is the classic start to alfredo
• Onions and green onions: Aromatics that add sweetness and complexity A sweet yellow onion works best
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning red pepper flakes salt and cracked pepper Grind your spices fresh for brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

Begin by setting a pot of generously salted water to boil for the pasta At the same time place a large skillet over medium low heat and add six tablespoons of butter When the butter melts add fresh minced garlic Cooking for just a minute releases its aroma without burning Pour in the heavy cream and bring it just to a gentle boil Let this simmer for about five minutes stirring often The cream will thicken and start building the creamy foundation Add grated parmesan and cream cheese Whisk until both melt into a smooth cohesive sauce Season to taste with salt cracked pepper and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes Allow the sauce to cool slightly as it will continue thickening

Boil and Dress the Pasta:

Drop your angel hair into the boiling salted water Cook until just barely al dente usually two to three minutes Drain well then place the hot pasta back into the pot Immediately pour over your fresh alfredo and toss until every strand is coated This step infuses flavor from the start

Brown the Meat Sauce:

Back in your cleaned skillet heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat Add the ground Italian sausage and beef breaking it up as you go Cook until deeply browned and most of the pink is gone Add diced onions and extra minced garlic Continue sautéing until the onions are translucent and sweet Smelling the mixture should make you hungry Stir in your favorite marinara plus Italian seasoning and more salt and pepper Simmer gently This is the heart of savory depth in every bite

Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees and grease a large baking dish or oven safe skillet Spread the alfredo coated spaghetti evenly across the bottom Next pour your meat and tomato sauce over the pasta smoothing it to cover to every edge The final layer is an even sprinkling of shredded mozzarella provolone and fontina cheeses Crisscross them for extra melt and stretch

Bake and Broil:

Place your pan in the oven and bake for twenty minutes until bubbly and the cheese has melted For an extra golden top run the dish under your broiler for about five minutes Watch it carefully so the cheese caramelizes but does not burn Let it rest a few minutes before slicing

Save

My favorite part is the homemade alfredo the rich garlicky cream ties every bite together My kids always steal tastes of the cheese topping straight from the pan before dinner is even on the table

Storage Tips

Let the pasta bake cool completely before covering and refrigerating Leftovers will keep for up to four days For longer storage cut single portions and wrap tightly before freezing When reheating add a splash of broth or water and cover with foil to restore moisture

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular spaghetti linguini or fettuccini if you do not have angel hair Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage or plant based crumbles if preferred Try a smoky cheddar or pepper jack on top for more kick For a lighter version use half and half in the alfredo in place of heavy cream

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables For a festive meal serve with crusty bread and a glass of red wine Leftovers make an amazing next day lunch Scoop a portion into a small oven safe bowl and bake with a little extra cheese for a personal pasta gratin

Save

Cultural and Historical Context

Million Dollar Spaghetti is beloved in American home cooking for its over the top cheesiness and comforting layers While it feels indulgent it draws inspiration from classic Italian American baked pasta dishes and the Southern tradition of hearty casseroles It is a dish designed for family celebrations church suppers and potlucks where everyone comes back for seconds

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes this pasta bake unique?

The combination of homemade alfredo, tangy marinara, two meats, and a trio of cheeses creates rich layers of flavor you won't find in typical baked pasta.

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Angel hair is traditional, but spaghetti, linguini, or fettuccine all work beautifully in this layered baked dish.

→ How do I keep the pasta from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of broth or water before microwaving. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from getting tough.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate unbaked. Bake just before serving for the freshest texture and taste.

→ Which cheeses are best for the topping?

A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina gives the perfect melt and flavor, but you can substitute your favorites if needed.

→ Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce?

Yes, for convenience, store-bought sauce works, but homemade delivers a richer, fresher flavor in the final dish.