Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat if desired)
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce (try using your own homemade version for a personal touch)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 8 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, mixing until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
