Imagine tender spaghetti noodles enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with flavorful ground beef, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. When baked, the cheesy topping becomes golden brown and crispy offsetting the tender noodles below. The aroma alone will make your mouth water with anticipation!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Total Time: 35-38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and season with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles on top, followed by another layer of the meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Pair with a side of crusty bread or a simple Italian salad for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
