Description

Have you ever craved a dish that’s as cozy as a warm blanket but fancy enough to impress your family or friends? Picture digging into a bubbling, cheesy pan of Baked Spaghetti, where every bite is packed with saucy beef, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella. This isn’t just spaghetti—it’s a next-level casserole that’s easy to make and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Baked Spaghetti brings something special to create its rich, comforting flavor. Don’t worry if you need to swap something out—there are plenty of substitutions!

Spaghetti (16 oz package): The sturdy base that holds up to baking. Substitution: Linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds hearty, savory flavor. Use 80/20 for a good balance of fat and flavor. Substitution: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for vegetarian.
Onion (1, chopped): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce. Substitution: 1 tsp onion powder or ½ cup shallots.
Meatless Spaghetti Sauce (32 oz jar): The tangy, tomatoey base. Substitution: Homemade marinara or canned crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning.
Seasoned Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the sauce’s flavor. Substitution: Regular salt with a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Large Eggs (2): Bind the spaghetti layer for a sliceable casserole. Substitution: Flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) for egg-free.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick to the pasta layer. Substitution: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
Butter (5 tbsp, melted): Keeps the spaghetti moist and rich. Substitution: Olive oil or vegan butter.
Small Curd Cottage Cheese (2 cups): Creates a creamy, tangy layer. Substitution: Ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (5 cups, divided): The star for that stretchy, cheesy top. Substitution: Provolone, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free mozzarella.

Why These Ingredients Matter:

Ground beef and eggs provide protein for a filling meal.
Tomatoes in the sauce offer vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene.
Cottage cheese adds calcium and creaminess without being heavy.
Mozzarella creates that irresistible, melty texture everyone loves.

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep (5 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Gather all ingredients: spaghetti, ground beef, onion, sauce, seasoned salt, eggs, Parmesan, butter, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. Tip: Prep ingredients while the water boils to save time.
Cook the Spaghetti (12 minutes):
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the 16 oz spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm (al dente), about 12 minutes.
- Drain and set aside in a large bowl. Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta—it’ll bake further in the oven.
Cook the Meat Sauce (7 minutes):
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 lb ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring, for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain excess oil from the skillet.
- Stir in the 32 oz jar of spaghetti sauce and ½ tsp seasoned salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Tip: Break up the beef with a wooden spoon for even browning.
Prepare the Spaghetti Mixture (5 minutes):
- In a large bowl, whisk 2 eggs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, and 5 tbsp melted butter.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. Tip: Use tongs to toss the spaghetti for a thorough coating.
Layer the Casserole (5 minutes):
- Spread half the spaghetti mixture in the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with half the cottage cheese (1 cup), 2 cups mozzarella, and half the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, and remaining meat sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Tip: Press the layers gently to ensure even distribution.
Bake the Casserole (60-65 minutes):
- Bake covered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Tip: Check that the center is hot (165°F) with a thermometer if unsure.
Rest and Serve (5 minutes):
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers. Tip: Use a spatula to cut and serve neat portions.