Baked Spaghetti

Ultimate Baked Spaghetti: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Delight your taste buds with the comforting embrace of our Ultimate Baked Spaghetti recipe. This culinary masterpiece transforms the classic spaghetti dish into a baked sensation, marrying layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and an ooey-gooey cheese medley. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Join us as we guide you through the steps of creating this flavor-packed, oven-baked delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Gather the essentials for this savory creation:

Meat

  • 1 lb Ground beef

Produce

  • 1 Onion, finely chopped

Refrigerated

  • 2 Eggs

Condiments

  • 1 (32 ounce) jar Meatless spaghetti sauce

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 (16 ounce) package Spaghetti

Baking & Spices

  • 1/2 tsp Seasoned salt

Dairy

  • 5 tbsp Butter
  • 2 cups Curd cottage cheese, small curds
  • 5 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Sauce Simplicity

  1. Pour the meatless spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and onions.
  2. Season with seasoned salt and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Mix and Layer

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the small-curd cottage cheese.
  2. Toss the cooked and drained spaghetti into the egg and cottage cheese mixture until well-coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

  1. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture.
  2. Dot the spaghetti layer with half of the butter.
  3. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer.
  4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce.

Step 5: Repeat and Bake

  1. Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, butter, meat sauce, and cheeses.
  2. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

  1. Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  2. Cut into squares, serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

  • Ensure the spaghetti is al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
  • Experiment with different types of seasoned salt for a personalized flavor profile.
  • If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Twist:
    • Substitute meatless ground crumbles for the ground beef to create a vegetarian version.
  2. Spice Sensation:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
  3. Mushroom Magic:
    • Sautéed mushrooms can be layered between the spaghetti and meat sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Keto Versions and Low Carb Options

Keto Baked Spaghetti:

  • Replace the traditional spaghetti with a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
  • Opt for a sugar-free and low-carb spaghetti sauce.
  • Adjust the cottage cheese quantity or choose a lower-carb cheese option.

Low Carb Baked Spaghetti:

  • Use a low-carb pasta option like almond flour or coconut flour noodles.
  • Select a low-carb spaghetti sauce with minimal added sugars.
  • Incorporate a blend of low-carb cheeses such as mozzarella and cheddar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

  • A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a lean and flavorful substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

Q2: Is it necessary to use seasoned salt, or can I use regular salt?

  • A2: Seasoned salt adds an extra layer of flavor, but you can use regular salt and adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Q3: Can I assemble the baked spaghetti in advance and bake it later?

  • A3: Yes, you can assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftover baked spaghetti?

  • A4: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven.

Q5: Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

  • A5: Yes, tightly wrap the unbaked dish in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Dive into the heartwarming embrace of Ultimate Baked Spaghetti, a dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with variations, or opt for keto and low-carb alternatives, this baked spaghetti is a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. Share this flavorful creation with loved ones and make every meal a celebration of cheesy goodness. Happy cooking!