If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal that combines the best of Italian flavors, this TikTok Spaghetti Casserole is a must-try! This dish blends the rich and meaty goodness of a traditional Bolognese sauce with the creamy decadence of Alfredo sauce, all layered with perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a satisfying meal. Follow this simple recipe to create a casserole that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a new favorite in your home. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb hamburger meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Your favorite spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz)
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional Ingredients:
- Spaghetti noodles (about 16 oz)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the hamburger meat with the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Season with salt, pepper, Tony’s seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Once the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, drain any excess grease. Stir in your favorite spaghetti sauce, mix well, and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a slight simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large baking dish, spread the cooked and drained noodles. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the noodles and gently toss to coat.
- Evenly spread the meat sauce over the Alfredo-coated noodles. Do not mix the layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love TikTok-inspired Spaghetti Casserole recipe:
There are plenty of reasons to love this TikTok Spaghetti Casserole. Here are just a few that might convince you to give it a try:
- Flavor Fusion: Combining two beloved Italian dishes — spaghetti Bolognese and Alfredo pasta — results in a unique and delicious flavor profile. The rich, tomato-based meat sauce complements the creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce, offering a delightful taste experience with each bite.
- Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole. This dish is packed with gooey mozzarella and savory sauces, making it the ultimate comfort food to enjoy on a relaxing evening or to uplift your spirits on a chilly day.
- Versatile and Customizable: The recipe is incredibly flexible. You can adjust the types of meat, the choice of sauces, and even the cheese to suit your taste or accommodate whatever ingredients you have on hand. Add vegetables, switch up the seasonings, or use different cheeses to make it your own.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This casserole is not only delicious but also serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s a surefire hit that will please both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this casserole in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Just assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. This feature also makes it a great option for meal planning and batch cooking.
- Delicious Leftovers: Like many pasta dishes, this casserole can be even more flavorful the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to. It reheats well, ensuring that none of your delicious cooking goes to waste.
How to store TikTok-inspired Spaghetti Casserole recipe:
Storing the TikTok Spaghetti Casserole correctly is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor, whether you’re keeping leftovers or preparing it ahead of time. Here’s how to store it properly:
Refrigerating Leftovers
- Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth. However, don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the casserole to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its moisture and keep it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Refrigerate: Store the casserole in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing for Longer Storage
- Cool Completely: Before freezing, it’s important to let the casserole cool completely as mentioned above.
- Portion or Whole: You can freeze the entire casserole or portion it into individual servings. Portioning it out can be very convenient for reheating only what you need at a given time.
- Wrap Well: If freezing individual portions, wrap them in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. If freezing the whole casserole, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
- Label and Freeze: Label the wrapped casserole with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your casserole, reheating it properly will ensure it tastes as good as fresh.
- From the Refrigerator: If it’s been refrigerated, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through (about 20-30 minutes). Covering it with foil can prevent the cheese from burning.
- From the Freezer: For frozen casserole, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, reheat as directed above.
Following these storage and reheating tips will help ensure your TikTok Spaghetti Casserole remains delicious and safe to eat, whether enjoying it the next day or weeks later.
