Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
   • Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In the greased baking dish, add half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it out evenly.
   • Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, then top with dollops of ricotta cheese (if using).
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
   • Add the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
   • Finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the baked spaghetti rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips:

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Customize: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti casserole!

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You said:

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ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

The title for this recipe could be:

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This title captures the comforting and cheesy nature of the dish, making it appealing for anyone looking for a hearty and delicious meal.