# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Cheese Sauce
01 - 12 oz spaghetti
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Meat Sauce
11 - 1 lb ground beef
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 24 oz marinara sauce
15 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
16 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
18 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
19 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
20 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
04 - Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
05 - Stir in marinara sauce, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes and set aside.
06 - In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
07 - Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
08 - Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
09 - Mix cooked spaghetti thoroughly with the cheese sauce.
10 - Place half the spaghetti mixture in the prepared dish, then half the meat sauce; repeat layers.
11 - Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
12 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden; let rest 10 minutes before serving; garnish with parsley if desired.
