A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti dish with a rich meat sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and prevents sticking.
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, sour cream, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, oregano, basil, white pepper, minced garlic, and salt.
Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the cheese mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
Use your hands or a large spoon for even mixing.
Grease a 9x13 baking dish with olive oil and transfer the spaghetti mixture into it. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Covering retains moisture and ensures even cooking.
Meanwhile, prepare the meat sauce. Heat a saucepan over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Browning the meat enhances its flavor.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the saucepan and cook until softened.
Cooking the onions and garlic releases their natural sweetness.
Stir in the salt, oregano, basil, sugar, red wine, and Romano cheese. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Remove the spaghetti dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Serve topped with the meat sauce.
Letting the dish rest helps it set and makes serving easier.
