Baked Spaghetti is a classic dish that combines cooked spaghetti with a hearty meat sauce, layered with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting meal often enjoyed for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24-26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking

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 or frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the spaghetti sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Assemble the Baked Spaghetti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture. Mix well to coat the spaghetti evenly.
7. Layer in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the spaghetti.
8. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, spreading it out evenly again. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Baked Spaghetti is a comforting dish that pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to satisfy!