Description

Ever wondered how to turn a simple plate of spaghetti into a crowd-pleasing, cheesy masterpiece? Baked Spaghetti is the answer! This dish takes classic spaghetti and transforms it into a warm, gooey casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. With layers of saucy beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella, it’s comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spaghetti:
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (32-ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
For the Layers:
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Why These Ingredients Matter

Spaghetti: The base of the dish, providing a hearty, chewy texture that holds up to baking.
Eggs, Parmesan, and Butter: Coat the spaghetti to create a rich, cohesive layer that binds together when baked.
Ground Beef and Onion: Add savory flavor and texture to the sauce. The onion brings a touch of sweetness.
Spaghetti Sauce: A meatless jarred sauce saves time while providing a tangy, tomatoey base.
Seasoned Salt: Boosts the flavor of the meat sauce with a blend of spices.
Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild tang, making the dish feel like a lasagna.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy layers and a golden top.

Substitutions and Variations

Spaghetti: Swap with linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Onion: Replace with 1 teaspoon onion powder in a pinch.
Spaghetti Sauce: Use homemade marinara or crushed tomatoes with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Cottage Cheese: Substitute with ricotta cheese for a classic lasagna vibe or cream cheese for extra richness.
Mozzarella: Try provolone or a cheddar blend for a different flavor. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Butter: Swap with olive oil for a slightly different flavor.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Chop the onion and measure out the cheeses, butter, and sauce.

Tip: Prepping everything first makes assembly a breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add the 16-ounce package of spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm (al dente), about 12 minutes.
Drain: Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.

Tip: Save a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

Cook Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and chopped onion. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Drain Fat: Drain excess oil from the skillet to keep the sauce from being greasy.
Add Sauce: Stir in the 32-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce and ½ teaspoon seasoned salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Tip: Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks for an even texture.

Step 4: Coat the Spaghetti

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 5 tablespoons melted butter.
Toss with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.

Tip: The egg mixture helps the pasta stick together and adds richness.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

First Layer: Spread half of the coated spaghetti in the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add Cheese and Sauce: Top with half of the cottage cheese (1 cup), 2 cups mozzarella, and half of the meat sauce.
Repeat Layers: Add the remaining spaghetti, cottage cheese, and meat sauce. (Save the last cup of mozzarella for later.)

Tip: Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bake

Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Tip: If the cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier slicing.