Ingredients:
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12 oz spaghetti pasta
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1 lb ground beef or ground sausage
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook pasta:
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Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook meat & aromatics:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Mix sauce:
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Stir in tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Combine pasta & sauce:
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Toss cooked spaghetti with the creamy meat sauce until well coated.
5. Assemble bake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the spaghetti mixture.
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Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar on top.
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Add the remaining spaghetti mixture and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake:
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
7. Garnish & serve:
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Let cool slightly, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm.
🔁 Variations:
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Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist.
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Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
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Use pepper jack cheese for a little kick.