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Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

This comforting Baked Spaghetti recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti layered with a savory beef and onion sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying casserole ideal for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Cheese Mixture

  • 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

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite as it will continue to soften while baking.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the onion is tender and beef is fully cooked with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the pasta sauce and seasoned salt. Remove from heat.
  3. Toss spaghetti with egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter together. Drain the cooked spaghetti thoroughly, then add it to the egg mixture and toss well to coat the noodles evenly, preventing clumping during baking.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Using tongs, place half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish. Spread half of the cottage cheese evenly over the noodles, then layer half of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: noodles, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and a final layer of mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish onto a rimmed baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots and the casserole is heated through.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the pasta firm up for neater portions. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving to add fresh flavor and color.

Notes

  • For smoother cottage cheese, pulse it in a food processor or blender before layering.
  • Allowing the baked spaghetti to rest for 15 minutes makes slicing easier and prevents it from becoming too messy.
  • Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid overcooked pasta after baking.
  • Using part-skim mozzarella helps reduce fat without sacrificing meltiness.

Keywords: Baked spaghetti, spaghetti casserole, baked pasta, ground beef spaghetti, cheesy baked spaghetti

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