Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Sauce

01 - 450 grams spaghetti noodles
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 360 millilitres heavy cream
05 - 60 grams shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
06 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Meat Sauce

07 - 450 grams lean ground beef
08 - 1 medium onion, diced
09 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
10 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
13 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
14 - 680 grams marinara sauce

→ Cheese and Garnish

15 - 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - Dried parsley flakes, for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Set oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 33x23 cm baking dish.
02 - Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until just al dente. Drain and reserve.
03 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. Add onion, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until beef is fully cooked and vegetables are softened, approximately 10 minutes.
04 - Drain excess fat from skillet. Stir in marinara sauce. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce is slightly thickened.
06 - Add drained spaghetti to the alfredo sauce, tossing until all strands are evenly coated.
07 - Spread alfredo-coated spaghetti in prepared baking dish in an even layer.
08 - Carefully spoon meat sauce over the spaghetti layer.
09 - Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and additional parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
10 - Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
11 - Let casserole rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with dried parsley flakes if desired, then serve.

# Notes:

01 - Use quality spaghetti and cook it al dente for optimal texture.
02 - Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
03 - Incorporate extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for increased nutrition.
04 - For gluten-free preparation, select appropriate pasta.
05 - To prepare ahead, assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
06 - Leftovers keep refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.

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