TikTok Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this spaghetti takes an everyday classic and turns it into a layered, oven-baked masterpiece. The Alfredo-coated noodles give it a creamy base, the seasoned meat sauce adds a punch of flavor, and the melty mozzarella on top pulls it all together. It’s the kind of dish that feels special, even though it’s made with simple ingredients I probably already have. Plus, it reheats like a dream.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (ribs and seeds removed)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
16 ounces spaghetti
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
2 cups shredded mozzarella

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C) and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. For the red sauce, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Then I stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. After draining the grease, I season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. I set it aside.

4. While the sauce simmers, I boil the spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. After draining, I set it aside.

5. For the Alfredo sauce, I melt butter in a pan over low heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for a minute. I stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the cream until smooth.

6. I add parmesan to the sauce and stir gently until melted and creamy.

7. I toss the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce, then spread it into the prepared baking dish.

8. I layer the red meat sauce over the pasta — no stirring. Just spread it evenly.

9. I sprinkle the top with mozzarella and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Once baked, I let it cool for 10 minutes before serving, and finish it with fresh parsley and a pinch of Italian seasoning for that final touch.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Calories per serving: ~620–670 kcal

Variations

• I’ve swapped ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage — both work well and add different layers of flavor.

• For a spicier version, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the red sauce.

• I sometimes use penne or rigatoni instead of spaghetti if I want more bite in the baked layers.

• If I’m short on time, I use store-bought Alfredo sauce, though homemade always tastes better.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. I add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to keep it from drying out. It also freezes well — I just let it cool, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make TikTok spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, I bring it to room temperature and pop it in the oven as usual.

What’s the best type of spaghetti sauce to use?

I use whatever marinara or pasta sauce I have on hand. If I want a sweeter flavor, I go with a tomato basil variety. For something bolder, a roasted garlic or arrabbiata sauce works great.

Can I skip the Alfredo layer?

You can, but I wouldn’t — it’s what makes this dish so rich and unique. If needed, I use a lighter cream or milk-based sauce to reduce richness.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, I just skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat alternative to the red sauce.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

I cook the pasta just to al dente so it holds up during baking. Overcooked noodles can get too soft after sitting in the sauce and baking.

Conclusion

TikTok Spaghetti is a delicious twist on traditional pasta night — creamy Alfredo, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese all baked into one irresistible dish. It’s indulgent, easy to customize, and totally worth the hype. Whether I’m making it for a big dinner or just to enjoy leftovers all week, it’s a comfort classic I keep coming back to.

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