# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Cheese Sauce
01 - 12 ounces spaghetti
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons 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 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Meat Sauce
11 - 1 pound ground beef
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 24 ounces jar marinara sauce
15 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
18 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
19 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
20 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the 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, cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat.
04 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
05 - Stir in marinara sauce, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes and set aside.
06 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
07 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and stir until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
08 - Remove from heat, then stir in mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
09 - Mix cooked spaghetti evenly with the cheese sauce.
10 - Place half of the spaghetti mixture in the prepared baking dish, top with half the meat sauce, then repeat layers.
11 - Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the assembled layers.
12 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
