Introduction

Baked spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners. This dish combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection.

Baked Spaghetti with Meat and Mozzarella Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cottage cheese, divided
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
Step 2: Cook the spaghetti until it’s just 2 minutes shy of the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Brown the meat while breaking it apart until fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce with the meat and mix well.
Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with kosher salt, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
Step 6: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cottage cheese, half of the meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
Let the baked spaghetti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Storage

Store leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta that holds up well in baking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta fully?

No, cook the pasta just shy of the package instructions by about 2 minutes since it will finish cooking in the oven. This helps prevent mushy noodles.

Baked Spaghetti with Meat and Mozzarella Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 76 reviews

This comforting baked spaghetti recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, layered with creamy cottage cheese and mozzarella, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly casserole that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound spaghetti

Meat Sauce

1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cheese Mixture

2 large eggs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cottage cheese, divided
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions but stop cooking 2 minutes before it reaches al dente to ensure it doesn’t overcook during baking. Drain and set aside.
Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Brown the mixture for about 5-6 minutes, breaking the meat apart until fully cooked and onions are softened.
Add Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce with the cooked meat and onions. Let it simmer briefly and mix well so the flavors combine.
Mix Pasta with Eggs and Butter: In a large bowl, toss the slightly undercooked spaghetti with kosher salt, the two beaten eggs, and melted butter until evenly coated. This will help bind the casserole.
Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cottage cheese over the pasta, then spread half of the meat sauce on top, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add Remaining Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is crispy and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving for easier slicing and to allow it to set.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavors.
Use whole milk or low-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference.
For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some Parmesan on top before baking.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while cooking.

Keywords: baked spaghetti, spaghetti casserole, ground beef pasta bake, cheesy spaghetti bake, easy dinner, family friendly pasta