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!

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.