Golden Baked Cheese Spaghetti
Mastering the Art of Golden Baked Cheese Spaghetti at Home
Indulge in a restaurant-quality baked cheese spaghetti right in your own kitchen! This recipe features rich beef, plump shrimp, and a generous topping of melted cheese, all coated in a savory tomato sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or elevating any ordinary meal.
Baked Cheese Spaghetti- 200g ground beef
- 1/2 onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 packet store-bought tomato sauce (for 1-2 servings)
- A small amount of butter
- 3 frozen shrimp
- 1 handful mozzarella cheese
- A small amount of Old Bay Seasoning (optional)
- 1.5 servings spaghetti (approx. 150g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the ingredients for our baked cheese spaghetti. Since we’re using a ready-made tomato sauce, the prep work is quite simple! For the onion, first slice it vertically almost to the root, then chop horizontally. This technique helps reduce tears and makes dicing easier, just like professional chefs do!
Step 2
Next, peel and devein the frozen shrimp, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. With the ingredients prepped, we’re halfway there! Now, let’s cook the spaghetti. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the spaghetti for about 8-10 minutes. It’s best to test a strand periodically and remove it when it reaches your desired al dente texture.
Step 3
Melt a small amount of butter in a heated pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, and sauté until the beef is browned. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks. This flavorful beef is the foundation of a delicious spaghetti!
Step 4
Once the beef is partially cooked, add the prepared shrimp to the pan and continue to cook together. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in a little Old Bay Seasoning. This versatile seasoning is widely used in many cuisines and can elevate your homemade dishes to a more sophisticated level. (We’ll share more details about Old Bay Seasoning in a future post!)
Step 5
While this mixture already smells amazing, let’s add the finely chopped onion for a richer flavor and balanced nutrition. Sauté until the onions become translucent and tender.
Step 6
Now, pour in a generous amount of tomato sauce – the heart of our spaghetti! I often use ‘No Brand Homemade Tomato Sauce’ because its portion size is perfect for 1-2 servings, making it convenient to use up in one go.
Step 7
Once the sauce is simmering, add the cooked spaghetti and toss well to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a ladleful of the pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency. The pasta water will help bind the sauce without diluting its flavor.
Step 8
Transfer the beautifully coated spaghetti into a serving dish, perhaps one your child enjoys. Can you already smell the delicious aroma filling your kitchen?
Step 9
But our baked cheese spaghetti isn’t complete yet! It’s time for the star ingredient: cheese. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti. Even if you don’t have a lot, this amount will still look wonderfully appetizing. Place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 10
Voila! Your golden, bubbly baked cheese spaghetti is ready! Enjoy this special, restaurant-worthy meal right in your own home.
