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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- 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
- Pour the meatless spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and onions.
- Season with seasoned salt and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Mix and Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the small-curd cottage cheese.
- Toss the cooked and drained spaghetti into the egg and cottage cheese mixture until well-coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture.
- Dot the spaghetti layer with half of the butter.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce.
Step 5: Repeat and Bake
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, butter, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- 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
- Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- 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:
- Vegetarian Twist:
- Substitute meatless ground crumbles for the ground beef to create a vegetarian version.
- Spice Sensation:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- 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!