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Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

This dish features cooked spaghetti layered with rich meat sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbling and golden. The final appearance includes a crispy cheese crust with steaming, saucy noodles underneath, creating a hearty and satisfying main course.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti uncooked
  • 1 lb ground beef or other ground meat
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese optional, grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, then spread half of the meat sauce evenly over it.
  6. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce, creating a layered effect.
  7. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top layer.
  8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. The dish should be hot and cheesy with a slightly crispy top.
  10. Slice into portions and serve hot, enjoying the combination of tender noodles, hearty sauce, and crispy cheesy topping.