If you’re as obsessed with viral recipes as I am, then you absolutely have to try this Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect combo of creamy, cheesy, and meaty goodness all baked into one incredible casserole. I first stumbled upon this gem scrolling through my feed and honestly, it blew me away—not just for how rich it tastes but also for how easy it is to assemble. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become your go-to comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Keep reading because I’m going to spill all my best tips to help you nail the recipe every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful: The homemade alfredo sauce packs a rich, velvety punch that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
- Hearty and Satisfying: A savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage layered with marinara that makes this a meal you won’t forget.
- Simple and Crowd-Pleasing: This baked casserole comes together quickly and pleases just about any crowd.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak meat, cheeses, or even add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient really plays a part here: from pasta that holds sauce beautifully, to a trio of cheeses that melt into absolute perfection. Here are some tips on picking the best ingredients for your Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
- Angel Hair Pasta or Spaghetti: I love using angel hair for its delicate texture, but spaghetti works just as well if you prefer thicker strands.
- Marinara Sauce: Grab a good-quality jar or make your own for deeper flavor — it’s the base of that savory meat layer.
- Ground Beef (80/20): The right fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful without drying out.
- Hot Italian Sausage: I often go mild for family dinners, but if you like a kick, hot is the way to go.
- Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These add great texture and a fresh bite to balance the richness.
- Garlic Cloves: Using lots of garlic amps up the aroma and depth of flavor — don’t skimp here!
- Butter: Essential for the creamy alfredo sauce, so don’t substitute with margarine or oil.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the sauce gets that luscious smoothness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a game changer — it melts better and tastes so much fresher.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: Just a sprinkle will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
- Mozzarella, Fontina, and Provolone Cheese: The triple cheese topping is what elevates this from yummy to irresistible.
- Salt and Freshly Cracked Pepper: Always season thoughtfully — it pulls the whole dish together.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, fresh pop on top after baking.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. This recipe is super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding extra touches.
- Vegetarian Variation: I swapped out the meat for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini once, and honestly, it was just as satisfying.
- Cheese Swaps: Sometimes I use gouda or sharp cheddar instead of provolone for a smoky hint that my family adores.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce gives it a subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, and just be sure to check your marinara sauce for hidden gluten.
How to Make Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Creamy Alfredo Sauce
First thing’s first, get a big pot of salted water boiling for your pasta. Meanwhile, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet, and throw in half your minced garlic. Let it sauté gently until fragrant — that garlicky aroma is the secret to the sauce’s depth. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a low boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Stir it occasionally for about five minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, whisk in the freshly grated parmesan and softened cream cheese until everything melts smoothly into a luscious sauce. Season with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s okay if your sauce seems a little runny now; remember, it thickens more as it cools and bakes.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Coat with Alfredo
Cook your angel hair pasta or spaghetti until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain it well, then toss it back into your pot. Pour over that dreamy alfredo sauce and stir gently so every noodle’s coated in creamy goodness. Pro tip: tossing the pasta directly in the pot helps it soak up the sauce better than layering later.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Veggies
Clean out your skillet and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. After about two minutes, toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and the rest of the minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the veggies soften and the meat’s cooked through. Pour in the marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste — stir it well so the sauce and meat blend perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Casserole
Grease a large cast iron skillet or a 9×13 casserole dish — I like cast iron because of the even heat it gives. Spread the alfredo-coated pasta evenly across the bottom, then spoon the rich marinara meat sauce over it like a generous layer. Smooth it out with a spatula for even coverage. Finally, pile on the shredded mozzarella, fontina, and provolone cheeses for that melty, golden top. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. If you want that bubbly, slightly crispy cheese crust, pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Pro Tips for Making Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I learned this the hard way—slightly undercook the pasta since it’ll keep softening while baking in the sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so freshly grating gives you that silky sauce texture.
- Layering Matters: Spreading the creamy pasta beneath the marinara creates a beautiful flavor contrast and prevents dryness.
- Watch the Broiler: I always keep the oven door slightly open and watch the cheese closely to avoid burning during broiling.
How to Serve Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top right before serving — it adds a bright pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. Sometimes I squeeze a little fresh lemon over my portion for an unexpected zing that really wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides to serve with this are a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut some of the richness and roasted garlic bread for dipping—you can never have too much garlic, right?
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized presentation. It looks fancy but is seriously easy and perfect for portion control at dinner parties. You could also sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for an additional crunchy texture that’s always a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: let the casserole cool completely before covering—it helps prevent sogginess and keeps the flavors vibrant.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking and freeze for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat it, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Freezing before baking helps keep the textures spot-on.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through — about 15-20 minutes. To prevent drying out, cover loosely with foil, then uncover at the end to crisp up the cheese topping again.
FAQs
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Can I make the Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a little extra baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge to ensure it’s hot all the way through.
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What’s the best pasta to use?
Angel hair pasta is my favorite because it soaks up the sauce beautifully without overwhelming the dish, but regular spaghetti works just as well if you want a bit more chew.
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Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Definitely! The recipe shines with mozzarella, fontina, and provolone, but you can swap in gouda, cheddar, or even a little asiago to vary the flavor.
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How spicy is this casserole?
The recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to give it more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and just plain delicious every single time. I love how approachable it is—you don’t have to be a fancy cook to pull this together, and the results make you look like one. So next time you want to impress your family or just treat yourself, this casserole is your answer. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear about your own tweaks and triumphs!
Print
Tik Tok Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
TikTok Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring angel hair spaghetti smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with a flavorful marinara meat sauce, and layered with three kinds of shredded cheese. This indulgent recipe combines tender pasta, savory browned beef and sausage, and a luscious blend of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection, making it a crowd-pleaser perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. angel hair pasta or spaghetti
Marinara Meat Sauce
- 32 oz. marinara sauce
- 1/2 lb. ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb. hot Italian sausage (mild works too)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons, divided)
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 7 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
- Salt, red pepper flakes and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 2/3 cup shredded provolone cheese
Garnish
- Parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add 7 minced garlic cloves and stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes allowing the cream to thicken. Whisk in parmesan cheese and cream cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with salt, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for angel hair. Drain and return to the pot, then pour in the Alfredo sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Set aside.
- Browng the Meat and Vegetables: Clean out the Alfredo sauce skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in the same skillet. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking up the meat as it cooks for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Add diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a large cast iron skillet or a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread the Alfredo sauce-coated pasta evenly on the bottom. Pour the marinara meat sauce on top and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, fontina, and provolone cheeses evenly over the top of the marinara meat sauce layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and hot.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden, slightly crispy cheese crust, broil the baked spaghetti for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your indulgent Million Dollar Spaghetti.
Notes
- Just like lasagna, the sauce can bubble over and spill onto the oven bottom. To prevent this, place a baking sheet lined with foil on the oven rack underneath the baking dish.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps with even baking and developing a nice crust on the bottom.
- Allow the baked dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the layers set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 57 g
- Saturated Fat: 32 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg