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Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/baked-spaghetti-recipe/