🧾 Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz / 425g) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (6 oz / 170g) tomato paste
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp salt (to taste)
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
For the Béchamel Sauce:
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4 tbsp (60g) butter
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¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
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3 cups (700ml) milk, warmed
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
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½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese
For the Pasta Layer:
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12 oz (340g) spaghetti
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ cup grated mozzarella or a blend (for topping)
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Boil spaghetti until just under al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
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Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add ground meat and cook until browned.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Make the Béchamel Sauce
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux (don’t let it brown).
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Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth.
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Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
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Season with salt, nutmeg, and stir in the cheese until melted.
4. Assemble the Casserole
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer half of the spaghetti in the bottom.
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Pour and spread half the meat sauce over the pasta.
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Spoon over a third of the béchamel sauce.
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Repeat with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and top with remaining béchamel.
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Sprinkle mozzarella or cheese of choice on top.
5. Bake
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Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
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Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for brightness.
Would you like a printable version, variations (like vegetarian or gluten-free), or tips on freezing and reheating?