baked spaghetti casserole

Here’s a delicious recipe for Baked Spaghetti Casserole that’s perfect for a comforting meal:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
   • Add ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
   • Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Mix the Cheeses:
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce.
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
   • Spread half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
   • Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce mixture on top.
   • Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese (if using).
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy!

This baked spaghetti casserole is hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings!