Rich and Hearty Tomato Spaghetti Gratin
Easy Homemade Tomato Spaghetti Gratin Recipe
A delicious and satisfying dish featuring spaghetti baked with a robust tomato meat sauce made with plenty of ground beef, topped with melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, and surprisingly easy to make.
Spaghetti Gratin Ingredients
- Spaghetti pasta 160g
- Ground beef 160g
- Onion 1/2 medium (finely diced)
- Bell pepper 1 medium (seeds removed, finely diced)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Shredded mozzarella cheese 70g
- Store-bought tomato sauce 2 cups (approx. 400ml)
- Milk 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml)
- Olive oil 1 Tbsp
- Parsley flakes for garnish (optional)
Beef Marinade Ingredients
- Salt 1 tsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Cooking wine (like Mirin) 1 tsp
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt 1 tsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Cooking wine (like Mirin) 1 tsp
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the marinade ingredients: 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cooking wine, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well with your hands and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the meat and remove any gamey flavors.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti pasta (160g) and cook for approximately 8 minutes, or about 1 minute less than the package directions suggest for al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
Step 3
Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This aromatic base is key to a flavorful sauce.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5
When the onions are about halfway cooked, add the marinated ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it is fully browned, ensuring no pink remains.
Step 6
Pour in the tomato sauce (2 cups) and milk (1/2 cup) to the pan with the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together well. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce cook down and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7
Now, let’s assemble the gratin. Spread the drained cooked spaghetti evenly into an oven-safe dish or individual gratin bowls. Gently loosen the pasta to prevent clumping.
Step 8
Spoon the prepared tomato meat sauce generously over the spaghetti, ensuring it covers the pasta evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (70g) over the sauce. The cheese will melt and create a beautiful, golden topping.
Step 9
Place the dish in the microwave and heat for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer to use an oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the gratin is heated through.
Step 10
Carefully remove the gratin from the microwave (or oven). Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley flakes for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Tomato Spaghetti Gratin!
