Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Baked spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. This recipe combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses baked to golden perfection.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti until just 2 minutes shy of the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Brown the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat and mix well. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with kosher salt, eggs, and melted butter until evenly combined.
6. Step 6: Layer half of the spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cottage cheese over the pasta, then add half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella.
7. Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Step 8: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add garlic and Italian herbs like basil and oregano to the meat sauce while cooking.
• Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for quicker reheating. Baked spaghetti also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked spaghetti for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

This comforting Baked Spaghetti recipe features al dente spaghetti layered with savory ground beef marinara, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty casserole perfect for family dinners or meal prepping with rich, cheesy goodness and a satisfying texture.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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

Binding and Flavor

• 2 large eggs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheeses

• 2 cups cottage cheese, divided
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: 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 the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions but stop cooking about 2 minutes before the recommended time to keep it slightly firm; then drain well.
3. Brown the Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped yellow onion together. Break apart the meat as it cooks until fully browned and onions are softened, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture and stir everything together to combine and heat through.
5. Combine Pasta with Eggs, Butter, and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with kosher salt, beaten eggs, and melted butter, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Layer the Casserole – First Layer: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then add half of the cottage cheese, half of the meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
7. Layer the Casserole – Second Layer: Add the remaining pasta over the first layer, then top with the remaining cottage cheese, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a layered casserole.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat and meld the flavors.
9. Bake Uncovered for Crispiness: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown with a crispy finish.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Let the baked spaghetti cool slightly before serving to allow it to set, then scoop onto plates and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and hearty meal.

Notes

• Cooking the spaghetti al dente helps prevent it from becoming overly soft during baking.
• You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred for a smoother texture.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
• Use low-fat cheeses to reduce fat content if desired.

Keywords: baked spaghetti, cheesy spaghetti casserole, ground beef pasta bake, Italian casserole, spaghetti bake recipe, cheesy pasta dish