I still remember the first time I stumbled across a video of this ultra-cheesy, golden-topped spaghetti on TikTok. It looked outrageously indulgent and, to be honest, way out of my cooking league at the time. But I gave it a shot—and to my surprise, it was incredibly easy. Since then, this baked spaghetti has become a regular dinner favorite in my house. Whether it’s a family night or a casual dinner with friends, this dish never disappoints.
This creamy baked TikTok spaghetti is perfect for beginners. It requires basic ingredients, minimal cooking skills, and offers a high reward for little effort. The combination of red sauce and Alfredo makes it rich, flavorful, and surprisingly customizable. Even better—it’s a forgiving dish, making it ideal for anyone learning their way around the kitchen.

Why This Recipe is Special
- It’s Two Sauces in One: Combining tomato-based meat sauce and creamy Alfredo gives it depth and richness, making it extra comforting.
- Beginner-Friendly: No fancy cooking techniques or tools are required—just a skillet, a pot, and a baking dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it early and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients based on what you have, and it’ll still taste amazing.
Ingredients and Preparation
Here’s what goes into this spaghetti casserole and why each ingredient matters:
Red Sauce
- Olive Oil – Adds a smooth, slightly peppery richness; helps sauté aromatics.
- Onion – Builds the flavor base; adds sweetness once sautéed.
- Green Bell Pepper – Offers mild crunch and a hint of bitterness that balances the richness.
- Garlic – Boosts aroma and flavor; fresh is best for a clean, sharp taste.
- Ground Beef – The hearty protein base. You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Italian Seasoning – A pre-mixed blend that brings herby flavor without needing multiple spices.
- Spaghetti Sauce – A jarred marinara keeps things quick and easy. Choose your favorite brand or make your own if time allows.
Pasta
- Spaghetti – The star of the show. You can also use linguine or fettuccine for variation.
Alfredo Sauce
- Butter – The rich base for the sauce.
- Garlic – Adds depth to the creaminess.
- Flour – Thickens the Alfredo sauce slightly.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce velvety and luscious.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds nutty saltiness. Use freshly grated for best melt and flavor.
Topping
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, cheesy top layer. Shred your own for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 Begin by sautéing chopped onions and bell pepper in olive oil over medium heat until they’re soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, careful not to burn it.
Step 2 Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then season the meat with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3 In a separate pan, melt butter and gently sauté garlic. Sprinkle flour over the garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in heavy cream until smooth.
Step 4 Return the cream mixture to heat, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5 Cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and immediately toss with the Alfredo sauce to coat evenly.
Step 6 Pour the pasta into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out. Spoon the red meat sauce over the pasta but do not mix—this layering is key for texture.
Step 7 Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- If your veggies overcook: Don’t worry—soft onions and peppers still taste great and blend well into the sauce.
- If your Alfredo clumps: Whisk in the cream gradually off the heat. Don’t skip that rest period!
- Substitute tools: No whisk? Use a fork. No grater? Pre-shredded cheese is fine, though less creamy.
- Time-saving tip: Use jarred Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time. About 17 oz should do the trick.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Ideas: Pair this dish with a crisp garden salad or a Caesar. Add garlic bread or breadsticks for a full Italian-inspired meal.
- Extra Sauce: Drizzle with pesto or chili oil for a flavorful kick.
- Leftover Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze portions for up to a month—just note the pasta might soften slightly.
Conclusion and Reader Engagement
If you’ve been looking for a no-fail, ultra-satisfying dinner, this easy sheet pan dinner disguised as baked TikTok Spaghetti casserole is your answer. Whether you’re cooking solo for the first time or looking for a reliable family-friendly recipe, this lemon herb chicken-inspired comfort pasta will check all your boxes. I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tweaks, tips, or pics in the comments below. Cooking should feel fun, not overwhelming, and this is a great recipe to build your kitchen confidence.
FAQ About TikTok Spaghetti
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce in a pinch. Try to find a jar that contains at least 17 ounces. Keep in mind, homemade offers a fresher, creamier texture.
Can TikTok Spaghetti be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You’ll need to add about 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What type of ground meat works best?
Ground beef (80/20) is traditional, but you can substitute with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
More Relevant Recipes
- Asian-Style Ground Beef Spaghetti
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Tiktok Spaghetti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
TikTok Spaghetti is a comforting, viral baked pasta dish combining creamy Alfredo sauce, savory red meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. A perfect easy weeknight dinner that’s indulgent, satisfying, and beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Red Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ jars (36 oz total) of spaghetti sauce
For the Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon salt (for water)
- 16 ounces spaghetti
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups grated parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up as it cooks. Once browned and no longer pink, drain the grease. Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and the spaghetti sauce. Set aside and keep warm.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat, then stir in minced garlic. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Remove from heat, whisk in heavy cream until smooth, then return to low heat and add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine Pasta with Alfredo: Add the cooked spaghetti to the Alfredo sauce and toss until all noodles are fully coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the Alfredo-coated pasta evenly in the dish. Spoon the red sauce mixture over the pasta, keeping the layers separate.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley or extra Italian seasoning before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melt and texture. To save time, jarred Alfredo can be used. You can layer everything a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to bake. Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold its shape when serving. This dish is also a great way to sneak in extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 897
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 2539mg
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 33g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 173mg