Author: bradsphptutorial_2ohzo2

Introduction

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of classic spaghetti to bring comfort and flavor to the table. This recipe features a rich, savory meat sauce paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti, making it an easy and satisfying meal for weeknights or family gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a timeless favorite!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti

• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and spaghetti.

2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.

3. Drain the spaghetti, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the spaghetti with the meat sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

2. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the meat with diced mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.

• Extra veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition.

• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

• Meal prep: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This classic spaghetti recipe is a versatile, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always hits the spot. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share how your spaghetti turned out!

Happy cooking! 🍝

Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!

Introduction

Craving comfort food? This classic lasagna recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Plus, it’s easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.

2. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Layer 3 noodles on top of the sauce.

4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce, and ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese.

5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with foil (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking).

2. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

• Freeze it: Assemble the lasagna and freeze unbaked. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 20-30 minutes.

• Cheesy upgrade: Add a layer of provolone or fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

This classic lasagna is the perfect mix of hearty, cheesy, and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or preparing it ahead for the week, it’s guaranteed to impress! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below.

Happy cooking! 🍝