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- 12 ounces of spaghetti - 1 tablespoon of olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 pound of ground beef or turkey - 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons of tomato paste - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried basil - 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 15 ounces of ricotta cheese - 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, divided - 1 large egg, beaten - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Three Cheeses

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with the Cheesy Delight Baked Spaghetti Casserole. This quick and satisfying dish combines perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce topped with a blend of three delicious cheeses. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this casserole is easy to customize to suit any palate. Gather your ingredients and enjoy creating this heartwarming meal that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces spaghetti

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 large egg, beaten

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking when you're done assembling.

    Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, which should take about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Brown the Meat: Introduce the ground beef or turkey into the skillet. Cook until the meat is well browned and fully cooked through, breaking apart any large chunks with a spatula. If there's excess fat, drain it from the skillet.

          Prepare the Sauce: To the cooked meat and vegetables, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully.

            Combine Cheese Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and the beaten egg. Stir the mixture until it's creamy and well blended. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

              Mix Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss the ingredients together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

                Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Begin by layering half of the spaghetti mixture on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over this layer. Follow with the remaining spaghetti mixture and top it with dollops of the remaining ricotta cheese mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.

                  Bake in the Oven: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                    Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or basil just before serving.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve your cheesy delight directly from the baking dish for a cozy feel, or plate individual portions on warm pasta dishes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!