Baked Spaghetti

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Baked spaghetti is a comfort food classic, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying.

It’s the ideal combination of classic spaghetti intertwined with a rich meat sauce, baked to perfection with layers of cheese.

This dish epitomizes the essence of hearty casseroles, offering a cozy embrace on those chilly winter evenings.

It promises a satisfying and hearty meal that’s easy to put together.

It’s a one pot meal that’s kid-friendly and will have the whole family coming back for seconds.

With step-by-step instructions, this easy baked spaghetti dish is the answer to your weeknight dinner problems.

Why This Baked Spaghetti is a Must-Try

Every spoonful of this spaghetti casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. with a thick meat sauce and layers of cheese brings out an unmatched comfort.

• Comfort Food at its Best: Nothing screams comfort food like a cheesy, hearty casserole. The creamy layers combined with the classic spaghetti texture make it a hearty casserole worth savoring.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Ready in under one hour, it’s a great last-minute dinner idea.This dish is a savior for last-minute dinner plans
• A Hit at Potlucks: The cheesy goodness appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring that you return home with an empty dish. Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you prefer a vegetarian variation or a meaty classic spaghetti, this recipe can be tailored to suit.
• Budget-Friendly: Quality doesn’t always mean expensive. Utilizing everyday ingredients, this dish provides a gourmet experience without breaking the bank.

Baked Spaghetti Ingredients

Every ingredient in this baked spaghetti recipe plays a pivotal role:

• Spaghetti: The main component that gives structure and a classic taste to our casserole.
• Ground Beef: Adds a hearty texture and rich flavor which complements the meat sauce.
• Onion: Infuses the meat sauce with a natural sweetness and depth.
• Spaghetti Sauce: A rich sauce that envelopes the pasta, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
• Seasoned Salt: Elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Eggs: Helps to bind the spaghetti ensuring a cohesive dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a sharp, salty bite.
• Butter: Gives a buttery finish to the baked spaghetti.
• Cottage Cheese: Introduces creaminess and a unique tang.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, making every bite cheesy.

How to Make Bake Spaghetti

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cooking Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Preparing Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
   • Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
   • Stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Mixing Spaghetti:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Toss the drained spaghetti into this mixture until it’s well-coated.
5. Layering the Dish:
   • Spread half of the spaghetti mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the spaghetti layer.
   • Add half of the meat sauce over the cottage cheese.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
   • Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Baking:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden and bubbly.
7. Serving:
   • Remove from oven and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.
   • Slice and serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh basil, if desired.

For Pasta Lovers

Can’t get enough of pasta? We got you covered.

If this baked spaghetti has ignited your love for pasta, don’t stop here.

Dive deeper into the world of noodles with our array of easy pasta recipes that span from the classic to the contemporary, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

Venture into the classic world of Creamy Mushroom Pasta with its creamy, indulgent sauce.

Or perhaps you’d like to spice things up a bit with a zesty Italian Sausage Rigatoni.

And for a lighter touch, our Ground Turkey Pasta with Lemon offers a refreshing palate experience.

Baked Spaghetti Variations

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the ground beef for a medley of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
• Vegetarian: Swap beef for mixed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Add lentils or chickpeas for protein.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter, mozzarella, and plant-based cheeses. The flavor remains, minus the dairy.
• Seafood: Substitute beef with shrimp, scallops, or clams. It gives a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the meat sauce for a heat kick.
• White Sauce: Replace the red sauce with béchamel. Ground chicken or turkey works well here.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles. Keep the sauce gluten-free too.

Storage and Reheating

This spaghetti casserole is great for leftovers and a fantastic meal prep idea:

• Storage: Once cooled, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. For a crispy top, broil for a couple of minutes.

Most FAQ about Baked Spaghetti

Can this spaghetti casserole be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything, keep it in the fridge, and bake when ready. It’s a cozy winter treat that’s also practical.

Should I cover pasta while baking?

Typically, baked pasta dishes like baked spaghetti are covered with aluminum foil for the initial portion of baking. This helps to retain moisture, ensuring the dish doesn’t dry out. After about 2/3 of the baking time, the foil can be removed to allow the top to get golden and slightly crispy.

What meat goes well with baked spaghetti?

Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Ground Turkey or Chicken, Meatballs, shrimp, clams, and mussels.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Certainly! Though traditional, feel free to experiment with penne, rigatoni, or rotini.

How to make baked spaghetti creamier?

Add a bechamel layer or increase cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese.

What to serve with baked spaghetti?

Side dishes that pair well with baked spaghetti include fresh green salads, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, and a crisp bruschetta

Other Spaghetti Recipes to Try!

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Pomodoro

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Lemon Butter Spaghetti

Dump and Bake Meatball Pasta

Roasted Garlic Pasta

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