Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines pasta, sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat into a baked casserole. Here’s a basic recipe for a delicious spaghetti casserole:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (about 3/4 pound) spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. If using sausage, make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Remove any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Top it with half of the meat sauce.
7. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Let the spaghetti casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
12. Serve the spaghetti casserole hot, and enjoy!

This spaghetti casserole is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms or using your favorite type of pasta.