baked spaghetti casserole

Yesss — Baked Spaghetti Casserole is like lasagna’s easygoing cousin  Cozy, cheesy, and always a hit!

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Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti

• 1 lb ground beef (or sausage or turkey)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creaminess)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil (for greasing)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   Boil spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:
   In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
   Add ground meat, cook until browned.
   Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5–10 min.

3. Mix the Pasta Base:
   In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs, Parmesan, and a little salt/pepper.
   This helps it “set” like a casserole.

4. Layer It Up:
   In a greased 9×13″ baking dish:

   • Layer spaghetti mixture on the bottom

   • Spread ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)

   • Spoon over the meat sauce

   • Sprinkle mozzarella on top

5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Rest & Serve:
   Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with parsley or basil if you’re feelin’ fancy.

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