Andy Montoya
Spaghetti with melted cheese is a quick, tasty, and filling meal that can be made in a variety of ways. The dish typically consists of cooked spaghetti mixed or baked with a sauce and cheese. The type of cheese used can vary, with popular options including mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. The sauce can also be tailored to one's preference, with options such as a simple butter, milk, and garlic powder mixture, or a more complex meat sauce. This versatile dish can be made in a large casserole or individually portioned, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
How to cook spaghetti with melted cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, side dish, weeknight dinner |
| Ingredients | Spaghetti, salted water, ground beef, onion, spaghetti sauce, salt, pepper, butter, milk, garlic powder, eggs, mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, cottage cheese |
| Equipment | Large pot, skillet, baking dish, oven |
| Preparation | Boil salted water, cook spaghetti, brown beef and onion, add sauce and seasoning, whisk eggs and cheese, toss spaghetti in cheese mixture, layer ingredients, bake |
| Cooking time | 40 minutes in the oven, plus time to boil water and cook spaghetti |
| Serving suggestions | Salad, cheesy onion and herb bread, meatballs, pasta with tomato basil sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ingredients
To prepare the ingredients for spaghetti with melted cheese, you'll need to gather the following:
- Spaghetti or your preferred type of pasta
- Salted water for boiling the pasta
- Cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, cottage cheese, or American cheese
- Butter
- Milk
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
If you'd like to include meat in your dish, you'll need ground beef or Italian sausage. You can also add eggs to the mixture. For the sauce, you can use either a jarred spaghetti sauce or make your own homemade sauce. If making your own sauce, you may need additional ingredients like onions, tomatoes, basil, or other herbs and spices.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. If you're using meat, cook it in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat until it is browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Now you are ready to assemble your spaghetti with melted cheese!
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Cooking the spaghetti
To cook spaghetti with melted cheese, you'll first need to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. You can add a little olive oil to the water to prevent the pasta from sticking together, but this is optional. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package's instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. When it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the other ingredients. If you're making a meat sauce, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's browned. Drain any excess fat, then return the beef to the pan and add your spaghetti sauce, along with any desired seasonings like salt, pepper, or garlic powder. You can also add other ingredients like onions, herbs, or spices to taste. If you're short on time, you can use a jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce instead of making your own.
If you'd like to add vegetables to your dish, you can sauté them in a separate pan while the meat sauce is cooking. Options could include mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add vegetables directly to your meat sauce, such as diced carrots, celery, or onions.
Now it's time to assemble the dish. Place the cooked spaghetti in a baking dish or individual serving dishes. Cover the pasta generously with your chosen sauce. If you're using a meat sauce, you can layer it with the pasta, creating a casserole-like dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add other types of cheese, such as cheddar or cottage cheese, depending on your preference.
Finally, place the dish in the oven and broil it for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. If you're using individual serving dishes, be very careful as they will be hot. Serve your cheesy spaghetti immediately, and enjoy the comfort of a warm, delicious meal!
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Making the sauce
The sauce for spaghetti with melted cheese can be made in a few different ways, depending on your preferences and how much time you have.
If you're short on time, you can use a jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce. If you have a little more time, you can make a meat sauce by browning some ground beef or making meatballs and adding them to your sauce. This can be done in a crockpot or on the stovetop. For a crockpot meat sauce, simply add all the ingredients to your crockpot, and let it simmer all day or for 4-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. If you're making the sauce on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Then, drain the excess fat, return the beef to the pan, and add the spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add onions to the pan for some extra flavour.
Once you have your sauce, it's time to assemble the dish. Place your cooked spaghetti in a baking dish or individual serving dishes. Cover the spaghetti generously with the sauce, making sure all the noodles are covered to prevent them from drying out.
Now it's time to add the cheese! Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add other types of cheese, such as cheddar or cottage cheese, depending on your preference.
Finally, place the dish in the oven and broil for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
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Layering the ingredients
Once you've cooked your spaghetti according to the package instructions, it's time to layer the ingredients. For a simple spaghetti with melted cheese, place your cooked noodles in a baking dish or individual serving dishes. Cover the noodles generously with spaghetti sauce. You can use a jar of pasta sauce from the grocery store or make your own. The sauce will prevent the pasta from drying out while cooking.
Next, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. You can also add mozzarella cheese at this stage. Spread the mozzarella evenly over the sauce, using as much or as little as you like. If you're making a meat sauce, you can add ground beef to the dish at this point.
Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place it in the middle of the oven. Broil for 1-1.5 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. If you're making a baked spaghetti with multiple layers, you can repeat the process, adding the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese. Cover and bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle with more mozzarella. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and browned to your liking.
For an extra rich dish, you can also add butter, milk, and eggs to the spaghetti before layering. Keep the heat low and stir continuously while the cheese melts to avoid burning the pasta.
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Melting the cheese
Start by choosing the right type of cheese. The most commonly used cheeses for spaghetti are mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, cottage cheese, and American cheese. You can use one or a combination of these cheeses, depending on your preference.
Once you've selected your cheese, prepare it for melting. If you're using shredded or grated cheese, ensure it is evenly distributed over the cooked spaghetti. This step is crucial, as clumps of cheese may not melt evenly. For shredded mozzarella, an even and generous layer is ideal. If using Parmesan, a light sprinkling can add a nice touch.
Now, it's time to apply heat. Place the dish in the oven and broil it. The heat from the oven will gradually melt the cheese. Keep a close eye on your spaghetti, as you want the cheese to melt but not burn. Broil for approximately 1 to 1.5 minutes. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, creating a gooey and inviting appearance.
For a more complex sauce, you can incorporate milk and butter. Start by returning the cooked spaghetti to the pot and placing it over low heat. Add butter and stir until melted, then incorporate milk. Finally, add your chosen cheese and stir continuously until everything is melted and well combined. This method creates a smooth and creamy sauce.
Remember, when melting cheese, keeping the heat low is essential. You don't want to burn the pasta or impair the flavor of the cheese. Take your time and stir frequently to ensure a consistent melt.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need spaghetti, cheese, butter, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add ground beef, onion, and eggs to make a meat sauce.
First, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Then, stir in butter, milk, and cheese until melted and smooth. You can also add garlic powder and pepper to taste.
First, cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Then, drain the excess fat and return the beef and onion to the pan. Add the spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss to coat. Layer the spaghetti mixture and meat sauce in a baking dish, sprinkling mozzarella cheese between the layers. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes.
