Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Baked spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings together tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses all baked to golden perfection. It’s a wonderful dinner option for family meals or gatherings, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups cottage cheese, divided
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, but stop 2 minutes before it’s fully done to keep it firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Cook while breaking the meat apart until fully browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce with the meat mixture and combine well. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with kosher salt, beaten eggs, and melted butter until evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Assemble the casserole in the baking dish by layering half of the pasta on the bottom, followed by half of the cottage cheese, half of the meat sauce, and half the shredded mozzarella.
7. Step 7: Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
8. Step 8: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add garlic to the meat sauce while cooking the onions.
• Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for a fresh herbal note.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat without sacrificing meltiness.

Storage

Store baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

Absolutely! Freeze the fully assembled dish before baking in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

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Description

This delicious Baked Spaghetti is a comforting Italian-American casserole made with spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef marinara sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella. It’s layered and baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy, cheesy top and rich flavors throughout, perfect for a hearty family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound spaghetti

Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cheese Mixture & Toppings

• 2 large eggs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups cottage cheese, divided
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles until slightly undercooked, about 2 minutes less than package directions, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and chopped onion. Brown the meat while breaking it apart until fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the marinara sauce and mix well to combine.
4. Prepare Pasta Mixture: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with kosher salt, eggs, and melted butter to coat evenly.
5. Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cottage cheese, then half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, crispy, and golden brown.
8. Serve: Let the baked spaghetti sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into portions. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy baked spaghetti!

Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute ground beef with a mixture of beef and Italian sausage.
• Use low-fat cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
• Feel free to add chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
• Adjust salt according to your preference, especially if your marinara sauce is already salted.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked spaghetti, spaghetti casserole, cheesy baked pasta, Italian comfort food, ground beef pasta bake