Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

Cheesy baked spaghetti is a delicious twist on the classic spaghetti dish, combining pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and sometimes additional ingredients like ground meat or vegetables. Here’s a simple recipe to make cheesy baked spaghetti:Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 jar (24-26 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using onion and garlic)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
3. If using ground beef or Italian sausage, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If using, drain any excess fat.
4. If adding onion and garlic, heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, cooked ground meat (if using), half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the shredded Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
6. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown on top.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
11. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy baked spaghetti!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, according to your preferences.