HOW LONG DO YOU COOK BAKED SPAGHETTI RECIPES

Steps:

• Perhaps the most common steak question I get is “How long should I cook Filet Mignon?”  The short, but likely inaccurate answer, is “about 10-12 minutes”. However, the real answer, is a bit more complicated. The question is not a simple one…nor does it have a simple answer. In reality, how long you should cook your filet mignon depends on a number of factors, many of which are unique to your preferences, your filet, and even to your specific kitchen, stove, grill, and pan. The reality is, each time you cook a filet, the cooking time could be materially different. Fortunately, if you learn the fundamentals that drive cooking time, if you practice (i.e. cook) a little bit, and if you use some of the simple tools of the trade, you’ll figure out how long to cook each filet thrown your way. Follow the advice below, and you’ll be well on your way! How Long do you Cook Filet Mignon Let’s start at the end. Most filet mignon lovers are looking for two things: A crispy golden brown outside that has a crunchy texture, and salty beefy flavor A tender, juicy center cooked to their preferred temperature – between rare and well done To get the crispy crust, it’s best to use direct heat (a hot pan or grill), and it’s easy to visually tell when you have that crust established. But, that same heat does a poor job of getting the filet’s center to the proper doneness. So, you’ll want to use in-direct heat (like an oven) to cook the filet through to where you want it.  And it’s impossible to visually tell how cooked the filet is on the inside. How do you want your Filet cooked? I like to cook filet mignon to medium rare…but I’m not going to judge you, if you want it cooked differently. However that is, it helps to know what internal temperature corresponds to what level of done-ness. So here you go: Rare Filet mignon: ~120 degrees Medium Rare: ~130 degrees Medium: ~140 degrees Medium Well: ~150 degrees Well Done: ~160 degrees So, now we know two things. First, we want to use direct heat to get a crisp crust on the outside. And second, we want to use indirect heat to bring the internal temperature up to the desired doneness. Time is the Critical Variable I like to start my filet mignon on a very hot pan or grill. About 3 minutes on each side to create that crust, without burning the steak. And that 3 minute time, is going to work whether the filet is thick or thin. However, once it’s seared, you vary the cooking time (with the indirect heat of an oven or closed grill) until the internal temp reaches the desired level.  A thin filet mignon, will likely have an internal temperature of 130 right after searing both sides. If you want it med-rare, you’d take it immediately off the heat. But a thick filet mignon will still be raw in the center, needed more time to reach medium-rare, and even longer to get to medium or well-done. The time will also vary depending on the temperature of your oven or grill. As a general rule, I plan on the internal temperature of the filet increasing about 10 degrees for every 3 – 4 minutes in the oven.  But, the safest, most accurate way to tell if you’re filet has cooked long enough is to use an instant read meat thermometer. And remember, once cooked, make sure to let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving!

Steps:

• Grease a baking dish and heat the oven. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta. Add the spaghetti and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Cook according to package directions until the spaghetti is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the sauce.
• Brown the beef and make the sauce. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the beef and use a stiff spatula to break it up into large pieces. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and let the meat brown undisturbed 4 to 5 minutes. Break the meat up into smaller pieces with the spatula and continue to cook until the beef is mostly browned with no pink showing, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir in the marinara.
• Drain the pasta and cool slightly. When the pasta is ready, drain but do not rinse. Let cool for 5 minutes, just long enough to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Make the ricotta layer. While the pasta is cooling, stir the ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic together in a small bowl.
• Whisk together the egg and Parmesan cheese. Place the eggs and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the drained and cooled spaghetti and toss to coat.
• Layer the spaghetti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Place 1/2 of the pasta mixture in the baking dish in an even layer. Dollop with 1/2 of the ricotta mixture, then spread with a spatula. Spoon 1/2 of the meat sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
• Bake covered 30 minutes, then 10 to 15 minutes uncovered. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted and browned in spots, 10 to 15 minutes more. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Let cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving.