*Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce**

Ingredients:

– **Spaghetti**: 12 oz (about 340g)
– **Ground beef**: 1 lb (450g)
– **Onion**: 1 medium, finely chopped
– **Garlic**: 2 cloves, minced
– **Marinara sauce**: 24 oz (680g) jar (or homemade)
– **Tomato paste**: 2 tablespoons
– **Italian seasoning**: 1 teaspoon
– **Salt and pepper**: to taste
– **Ricotta cheese**: 1 cup (optional)
– **Parmesan cheese**: 1/2 cup, grated
– **Mozzarella cheese**: 2 cups, shredded
– **Olive oil**: 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. **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.

2. **Prepare the Meat Sauce:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
– Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

3. **Assemble the Dish:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
– If using ricotta cheese, add it to the mixture and stir to combine.

4. **Bake:**
– Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
– Pour the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into the dish.
– Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
– Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. **Serve:**
– Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade baked spaghetti! If you need any more recipe ideas or adjustments, feel free to ask.