Baked Spaghetti is a hearty and comforting dish where cooked spaghetti noodles are mixed with a savory tomato sauce (often including ground meat like beef or sausage), layered with cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan), and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s similar to traditional spaghetti but with an added dimension of flavors and textures from baking in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti noodles
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24-26 oz) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
4. Combine spaghetti and sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked meat mixture. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the casserole: Place half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheeses.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Spaghetti! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.