Name: Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce; 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 5 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 cups 4% cottage cheese; 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; Chopped fresh basil

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Introduction

This baked spaghetti casserole is a comforting, cheesy dinner perfect for family meals. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti, and a blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection make it a satisfying and delicious dish everyone will love.

The image shows a baked spaghetti dish in a white rectangular baking dish, placed on a white marbled surface with a red cloth beside it. The dish has three visible layers: at the bottom is a thick layer of orange-red spaghetti noodles mixed with a tomato-based sauce, topped with a generous layer of browned ground meat pieces scattered evenly. Above the meat layer, there is a melted creamy white cheese layer covering most of the dish, with a few small fresh green basil leaves sprinkled on top for color contrast. The edges show some sauce stains, and the textures range from soft, saucy noodles to gooey, browned cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh basil, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, which means the pasta should still have a slight bite as it will soften further during baking.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until the onion is tender and the beef is fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the pasta sauce and seasoned salt. Remove from heat.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Drain the cooked spaghetti and toss it into the egg mixture to coat, which helps prevent clumping in the casserole.
Step 4: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Using tongs, spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish. Layer half of the cottage cheese on top, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Repeat the layering with the remaining spaghetti, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 6: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden in spots.
Step 7: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 15 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh basil for added flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

For smoother cottage cheese layers, blend it briefly in a food processor before assembling the casserole.
Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce to boost the vegetable content.
Use fresh basil or Italian seasoning in the sauce for an herbal aroma.
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the meat sauce with a marinara sauce and include additional vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover baked spaghetti covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. This helps maintain the casserole’s creamy texture and melted cheese.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with a baked spaghetti casserole showing three main layers: at the bottom, a thick layer of bright red tomato sauce mixed with small browned ground meat pieces; next, a generous layer of yellow-orange cooked spaghetti noodles twisted and spread evenly; on top, melted creamy white cheese covers most of the surface in patches with a slightly browned texture, sprinkled with fresh small green basil leaves for color contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially underneath, and a silver serving spoon rests beside a white plate with green checkered edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven as usual.