In a large stockpot, add 3 qt. water, 1 tsp. olive oil, and a half tsp. salt. Bring to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until the spaghetti is soft. Then drain and set aside.

While the water is boiling heat a skillet over medium heat. Then add the ground beef and onion. Cook until browned and the onion is soft. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook an additional 5 minutes.

Add the spaghetti sauce to the pan and stir it all together. Cook for a couple of minutes.

In a large baking dish (I used a 14” x 9” oval cast iron dish), add the spaghetti noodles and top with the spaghetti sauce.

Spread the cheese on top.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake covered with tin foil for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes longer or until the cheese becomes a golden brown.

Add fresh herbs as garnish. I like to use fresh basil or thyme. (optional)