Baked Spaghetti With Cheese On Top
Are you looking for a simple and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds happy? Look no further than baked spaghetti with cheese on top! This classic dish is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover spaghetti or pasta.
Ingredients:
To make baked spaghetti with cheese on top, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to make baked spaghetti with cheese on top:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- If using ground beef, cook it in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add the spaghetti sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the spaghetti is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Variations:
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use a meatless spaghetti sauce instead.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the sauce.
- Cheesy: Use a mixture of different cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or Gouda.
- Meaty: Use Italian sausage or diced chicken instead of ground beef.
- Herby: Add fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
Baked spaghetti with cheese on top is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can create a satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite. So why not give it a try tonight?