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Casseroles have long been cherished as a comforting meal option, perfect for feeding hungry families and friends. Their ability to blend a variety of ingredients into a single, cohesive dish makes them a popular choice for home cooks everywhere. One standout recipe that embodies the essence of a casserole is the Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole. This dish is not only family-friendly but also a crowd-pleaser that brings together the beloved flavors of pasta, meat, and cheese in a hearty, baked format.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Three Cheeses

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole recipe! Combining tender spaghetti, savory ground meat, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and customizable, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to every meal. Try it out and enjoy!
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Ingredients
  

10 oz spaghetti

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

          Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.

              Layer the Casserole: In a large, greased baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture on the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese on top.

                Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and pulse the oven to broil for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                  Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for an extra touch of flavor and freshness.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8