Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo & Meat Sauce

Yield: 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Alfredo Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

• ½ onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1½ cups marinara or pasta sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)

Cheese Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Optional: A handful of cheddar or provolone for cheese blend

• Dried parsley or fresh basil for garnish

For Garlic Bread (Side):

• 1 French baguette or Texas toast slices

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• Optional: shredded mozzarella or parmesan for cheesy garlic bread

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta & Make Alfredo

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and garlic powder; simmer gently for 2–3 minutes (do not boil).

3. Stir in parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3. Stir in tomato paste, then add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.

4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and rich.

3. Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer:

   • Half of the Alfredo spaghetti

   • All of the meat sauce

   • The remaining spaghetti

3. Top generously with shredded mozzarella (and any extra cheese blend, if using).

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.

5. For a golden crust, broil on high for 2–3 minutes — watch closely!

4. Make the Garlic Bread

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (or use broiler).

2. Mix softened butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a bowl.

3. Spread onto sliced bread or toast. Add cheese if using.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.

✨ Final Touches

• Garnish pasta bake with dried parsley or fresh basil.

• Serve hot alongside garlic bread and maybe a crisp salad.

Leftovers & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: In oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of cream to rehydrate.

• Freeze: Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Optional Upgrades

• Add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for veggies.

• Use penne or rotini instead of spaghetti for easier layering.

• Stir in a bit of ricotta or cream cheese to the Alfredo for extra richness.

Why This Slaps:

• Double sauces = double flavor (creamy + meaty = ultimate comfort)

• The crispy golden cheese top + garlic bread = pure satisfaction

• Feeds a crowd, wows a date, or guarantees family silence at dinner