Description
This classic spaghetti carbonara brings Italian culinary magic to your kitchen with creamy parmesan and crispy pancetta. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or sausage
- 1 lb (454 g) spaghetti
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups (480 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown ground meat until completely cooked through, releasing rich flavors and developing deep caramelization.
- Season the browned meat with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the seasoned meat, and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
- Create the first pasta layer by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Generously drizzle Alfredo sauce over the spaghetti layer, creating a creamy white foundation.
- Carefully spoon the meat marinara sauce over the Alfredo layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Add the remaining spaghetti as the final pasta layer, creating a complete casserole structure.
- Sprinkle a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top for a golden, melty finish.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes until cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Select high-quality ground beef with balanced fat content for richer flavor and juicier meat texture.
- Drain excess fat from meat thoroughly to prevent greasy final dish and ensure cleaner layering.
- Consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley as garnish to enhance visual appeal and add bright, fresh taste.
- Gluten-free alternative can be achieved by substituting regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 635 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg