Baked Spaghetti

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm and satisfying meal straight from the oven. Baked spaghetti is a classic dish that brings together the flavors of tangy marinara sauce, hearty ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious baked spaghetti that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

**Baked Spaghetti**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

**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 package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

4. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.

6. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.

9. Serve the baked spaghetti hot, scooping out generous portions onto plates. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone at the table smiling.

Baked spaghetti is a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking by adding extra veggies, switching up the types of cheese, or even using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends when you want to indulge in a comforting homemade meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors and cozy vibes of this baked spaghetti dish!