Description
This Rich Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo is a decadent twist on classic spaghetti, combining hearty ground beef and Italian sausage with a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with garlic, butter, and Parmesan. Finished with mozzarella and Italian seasonings, this comforting pasta dish offers layers of rich flavor perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1.25 lb spaghetti (Barilla recommended for perfect al dente texture)
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely diced (1/4-inch pieces)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, freshly minced
Sauces and Dairy
- 28 oz marinara sauce (Rao’s Homemade preferred)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (Kerrygold preferred)
- 2.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 10 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (block shredded for melting)
Seasonings
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables and meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a portion of the butter. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until aromatic.
- Brown the meats: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add marinara and seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine sauces and pasta: Add the Alfredo sauce to the meat and marinara mixture, stirring well to combine. Then fold in the cooked spaghetti until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Add mozzarella and finish: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low, allowing the cheese to melt for about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
- Shredding mozzarella from a block melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Drain excess meat fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Simmering the marinara sauce with meats enhances the depth of flavor.
- This dish can be assembled in advance and reheated gently on stovetop.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your cheeses and marinara sauce.
