Ground turkey – lighter protein alternative
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Beef and Onions
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and a dab of butter or oil.
Cook the beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns. Stir frequently so the onions soften evenly. This process should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent a greasy texture in the final dish.
Step 2: Cook Spaghetti in Sauce
With the beef and onions still in the pan, add 2 cups of water and the broken spaghetti noodles.
Stir to combine, then cover the skillet and let the pasta cook in the water and meat mixture for about 4 minutes. This allows the pasta to begin softening and absorbing the meaty flavor.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Once the spaghetti has softened slightly, stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally as it thickens and the noodles cook through completely, absorbing the flavors of the meat and sauce.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the meat and spaghetti mixture simmers, prepare your hamburger buns.
Slice each bun in half and arrange them cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Spread a light layer of garlic butter over the exposed surfaces.
Place them in an oven preheated to 400°F and toast for 4 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
When the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat.
Immediately add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir it in until fully melted and incorporated into the mixture. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, cheesy coating throughout the filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
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