If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — it’s like a cozy hug in a casserole dish. The bubbly mozzarella on top with rich, homemade Alfredo sauce layered alongside hearty meat sauce hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can nail this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy Alfredo meets classic baked spaghetti in one irresistible dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Family-Friendly: My whole family goes crazy for this, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need anything fancy to create a restaurant-quality meal.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Easy to prep ahead and bake when you’re ready, making life easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and creaminess. The key is picking good quality cheese and using lean ground beef for the perfect savory base.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onions and beef for a nice depth of flavor.
- Onion: I like to dice it finely so it melts into the sauce.
- Lean Ground Beef: Using about 80-85% lean keeps your dish hearty but not greasy.
- Minced Garlic: Adds just the right punch of aroma and taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning essentials to bring out all the flavors.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade – Rao’s is a favorite of mine for an extra rich taste.
- Salted Butter: Forms the luscious base of your Alfredo sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds that silky texture to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated if you can — this cheese makes the Alfredo sauce so divine.
- Spaghetti Noodles: Cook ‘em just right — al dente is my go-to.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty topping that everyone loves.
- Diced Parsley (optional): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a little brightness when serving.
Variations
I love how versatile the TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe is — feel free to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. I’ve experimented with several variations depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based meat alternative; still so satisfying!
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce to give it a nice little heat boost.
- Cheese Overload: Adding ricotta cheese to the Alfredo layer makes it extra creamy for a decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and double-check your marinara sauce to be gluten safe.
How to Make TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base with Love
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a large skillet and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and translucent. Then, add the lean ground beef, crank the heat a bit to medium-high, and cook until it’s beautifully browned—about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this part; browning the meat well adds so much flavor. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking one more minute. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease or blot it with a paper towel to avoid a soggy bake. Finish by stirring in your marinara sauce to meld it all together.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti Just Right
While your meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously salt it—you want your pasta to have flavor! Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. I like mine with just a little bite so it holds up nicely in the bake. Drain your spaghetti thoroughly and set it aside.
Step 3: Whip Up That Creamy Alfredo Sauce
This part is the star that makes this baked spaghetti so special. In a separate pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder. Then, add in the Parmesan cheese bit by bit (I add it in halves to help it melt smoothly without clumping). Keep cooking and stirring for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble gently. You’ll know you’re on the right track when it coats the back of your spoon with a velvety texture.
Step 4: Assemble Your Baked Spaghetti
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the creamy Alfredo sauce until they’re evenly coated. Next, spread the meat sauce over the top in an even layer. Finally, shower the entire dish with freshly grated mozzarella cheese—you want that glorious melty topping. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until everything is bubbling and the cheese is golden and delightful. If you like, sprinkle with diced parsley before serving for that pop of fresh color.
Pro Tips for Making TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Drain Grease Thoroughly: I discovered blotting the beef with a paper towel really keeps the bake from getting greasy.
- Add Parmesan Slowly: Adding cheese in increments ensures a smooth Alfredo sauce without clumps.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking spaghetti al dente means it won’t get mushy once baked with sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives; fresh grating ensures superior melt and flavor.
How to Serve TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh diced parsley—it adds a subtle herby brightness that balances the creaminess. Sometimes, I toss on a bit of extra Parmesan or even red pepper flakes when serving if folks want a little heat. Simple, fresh garnishes can really elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti is quite the star, so I usually keep sides light and fresh. A crisp Caesar salad or garlic breadsticks are my go-to pairings. Roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus also add a nice contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, I like to bake this recipe in smaller, individual ramekins—it makes for such a fun presentation and gives everyone their own cheesy masterpiece. Another fun idea is serving alongside a charcuterie board with olives, breads, and fresh veggies to mix up textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I’ll add a splash of cream or milk on top to help bring back that creamy texture before warming it gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven to preserve moisture and texture.
Reheating
Oven reheating is my favorite method—it keeps the cheese melty and the spaghetti tastes as fresh as the first day. Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the dish with foil to avoid drying out, and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but I recommend reheating in shorter bursts and stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-made Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! Using store-bought Alfredo sauce can save time, though I recommend choosing a good-quality brand and possibly adding a bit of extra Parmesan cheese for richness. Making your own is easy and adds a special homemade touch, but both work well in this recipe.
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What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
Lean ground beef (around 80-85% lean) is best because it provides flavor without making the dish greasy. If there’s any excess fat after cooking, drain it well or pat it dry with paper towels before adding marinara sauce to keep the bake from becoming oily.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the full casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, just bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly. This makes it super convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining.
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How do I prevent the baked spaghetti from being watery?
Drain the pasta well and make sure to drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly. Using a marinara sauce that isn’t too watery helps too. Tossing noodles in the thick Alfredo sauce before layering also prevents excess moisture. Baking uncovered at the end allows some moisture to evaporate, giving you the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe, I was so impressed with how a few simple ingredients transformed into a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal. It’s now a family favorite I turn to whenever I want to impress without stress. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making this at home — it’s straightforward, forgiving, and delicious every single time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
Print
TikTok Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This TikTok Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti recipe is a deliciously rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring layers of homemade alfredo sauce, savory ground beef marinara, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it combines the best of Italian flavors with a crowd-pleasing presentation, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
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 (such as Rao’s or Carbone’s)
Alfredo Sauce
- 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 cups Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Other
- 1 lb Spaghetti Noodles
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
- Diced Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onions for 5 minutes until softened. Add the lean ground beef and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the beef until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.
- Drain Excess Grease and Add Marinara: After the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease or blot it with a paper towel. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring occasionally. Slowly incorporate the grated parmesan cheese in two batches (1 cup at a time), stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble and Bake: In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the creamy alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the top of the coated noodles. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese across the top layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle diced parsley over the top for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, comforting baked spaghetti dish.
Notes
- What type of ground beef should I use? Use lean ground beef (80-85% lean) to reduce excess grease. Drain or blot grease after browning before adding marinara to keep the sauce from being oily.
- Recommended Marinara Sauce: Rao’s marinara sauce is highly recommended for its rich flavor and can often be found affordably in two-packs at Costco. Carbone’s marinara is another excellent choice.
- Source Note: The original TikTok source for this recipe is unclear due to many versions shared online. If you know the original creator, please share for proper credit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of dish)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
