Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

– **Spaghetti:** 12 ounces, cooked and drained
– **Ground beef:** 1 pound
– **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
– **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
– **Marinara sauce:** 24 ounces
– **Tomato paste:** 2 tablespoons
– **Diced tomatoes:** 1 can (14.5 ounces)
– **Italian seasoning:** 1 tablespoon
– **Ricotta cheese:** 1 cup
– **Parmesan cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated
– **Mozzarella cheese:** 2 cups, shredded
– **Egg:** 1, beaten
– **Olive oil:** 1 tablespoon
– **Salt and pepper:** to taste

 Instructions:

1. **Preheat oven:** to 350°F (175°C).

2. **Cook pasta:** Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. **Prepare meat sauce:**
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until softened.
– Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
– Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. **Prepare cheese mixture:**
– In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Mix well.

5. **Assemble casserole:**
– Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
– Add a layer of cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
– Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
– Top with another layer of meat sauce.
– Repeat layers, ending with the remaining meat sauce on top.
– Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

6. **Bake:**
– Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. **Serve:**
– Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti casserole!

Feel free to modify the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy!