Here’s a classic Baked Spaghetti recipe — hearty, cheesy, and comforting:

---

⭐ Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 mins

---

🧄 Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)

• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

• 1 egg

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)

---

🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Pasta:

   • Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned.

   • Add garlic and cook 1–2 more minutes.

   • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

   • Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Mix Cheese Filling:

   • In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Layer half of the cooked spaghetti.

   • Spread all of the cheese mixture over pasta.

   • Add half the meat sauce on top.

   • Repeat layers: pasta, then remaining sauce.

   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

6. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

   • Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic bread or a green salad.

---

📝 Tips:

• Swap beef with turkey, chicken, or make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

• Add a layer of sautéed veggies for more flavor.

• Make ahead and refrigerate before baking (up to 24 hours).

Want a quicker or low-carb version too?