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Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts, often evoking memories of family gatherings, cozy nights in, and the warm embrace of home-cooked meals. Among the many delightful dishes that fall into this category, Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole stands out as a quintessential favorite. This dish embodies the essence of comfort food with its rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it a beloved choice for both casual weeknight dinners and festive celebrations.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Three Cheeses

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole recipe. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish features layers of al dente spaghetti, savory meat, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. It's a nostalgic favorite that can be customized with different proteins and vegetables. Ideal for meal prep or entertaining, each bite is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
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Ingredients
  

10 oz spaghetti

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely 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, for a kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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

1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (for the topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.

    Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until its aroma fills the air.

        Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat is browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

          Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

            Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir carefully until everything is evenly coated.

              Layer the Casserole: In a greased large baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly over the bottom. Next, layer half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, followed by half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and provoke cheese on the top.

                Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After this, carefully remove the foil, and switch the oven to broil for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a splash of color and a hint of freshness.

                    Prep Time:

                      20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Serving Size: 6-8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole in individual portions or family-style in the baking dish, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and aesthetic appeal.