Spaghetti Casserole

https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-spaghetti-casserole-makeover/

Ingredients

1/2 pound whole-wheat spaghetti
2 eggs
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated and divided
1 tablespoon olive oil, + extra for greasing the casserole dish
1/2 onion, peeled and diced
1/2 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
1 pound ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
red pepper flakes, to taste (a few firm shakes for us)
1 - 26 oz pasta sauce, or 3 cups homemade (link in notes)
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a rectangular baking dish with olive oil and set aside.

Cook the spaghetti noodles al dente, drain, and then mix with the eggs and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Put in the bottom of the casserole dish.

In a large saute pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until soft, but not brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the beef to the pan and break up the meat with a spatula. Cook until the beef is brown all the way through. Drain and discard the fat (I find putting a lid on the pan helps with this job).

Add the garlic, salt, and red pepper, and cook for 1 more minute before adding the red sauce to pan. Heat for an additional few minutes.

Pour the meat/sauce mixture on top of the noodles in the casserole dish. Top with dollops of ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. 

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve warm and enjoy.