Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 Onion, diced
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 28 ounce jar Marinara Sauce
Alfredo Sauce
- 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 cups Parmesan Cheese, grated
Other
- 1 lb Spaghetti Noodles
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, grated
- Diced Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and diced onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute to combine flavors.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Drain any excess grease from the browned beef mixture or blot with a paper towel. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Generously salt the water, then add spaghetti noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly once done.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a separate pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring continuously. Gradually add grated parmesan cheese, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until fully melted. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently.
- Assemble and Bake: In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the Alfredo sauce to coat evenly. Layer the meat sauce on top of the noodles, and then sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese has melted and slightly browned. Garnish with diced parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Feel free to substitute jarred marinara with homemade tomato sauce for a fresher taste.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce.
- Letting the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes after baking helps it set for easier serving.
- Optional parsley adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American