Description
Cheesy Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce
A comforting plate of spaghetti topped with melty cheese and a rich, meaty sauce—pure bliss in every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti
12 oz (350 g) spaghetti
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Dish:
Plate the spaghetti and generously top with the meat sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Melt the Cheese:
Place the assembled plates under a broiler or use a torch to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Enjoy:
Savor the perfect harmony of cheesy, saucy, and savory flavors!
Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Combine & Top: Toss the drained spaghetti with the finished meat sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or individual ramekins.
6. Cheese & Broil: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Place under a preheated broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has golden spots.
7. Final Touch: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish stands well on its own but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and a slice of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a richer meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
How-to Summary
Create a flavorful meat sauce by browning onions, garlic, and ground beef, then simmering with tomatoes and herbs. Cook spaghetti al dente, combine with the sauce, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine are excellent choices that hold sauce well.
How can I make this dish less greasy? Use lean ground beef (90/10) and drain any excess fat after browning the meat. You can also blot the meat with a paper towel.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the sauced pasta in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and broil just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of mozzarella? A blend of provolone and Parmesan offers a more complex flavor. For superior melt, try low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered oven dish at 350°F until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook spaghetti only to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when broiled with the sauce and cheese.
- Skipping Pasta Water: Not reserving starchy pasta water is a missed opportunity. It’s the perfect tool to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the noodles.
- Underseasoning the Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning after simmering. The tomatoes and pasta need adequate salt and pepper.
- Broiler Neglect: Never walk away from the broiler. Cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in seconds.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce is the epitome of comforting, home-cooked food. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is both satisfying and simple to make. The combination of rich meat sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese is a timeless crowd-pleaser perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering.