Baked Spaghetti Cheesy Beef

Baked Spaghetti is the go-to dish when I want something filling and comforting that the whole family will love. The golden crispy cheese on top and tender pasta underneath make it both a weeknight hero and a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.

When I first tried this for a family potluck, the whole tray disappeared in minutes. Now every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti pasta: for the perfect base and holds up well during baking choose high-quality pasta for best texture
• Ground beef: brings heartiness and savory depth pick lean beef for less grease
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and extra flavor fresh firm onions work best
• Marinara sauce: coats every noodle with rich tomato goodness use your favorite brand or homemade sauce
• Kosher salt: brings out all the flavors pick a good quality salt for balance
• Large eggs: help everything set and bind choose fresh eggs for best texture
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and buttery flavor always melt before mixing
• Cottage cheese: gives creamy pockets throughout the bake use whole milk cottage cheese for extra flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: ensures a gooey stretchy top layer always shred fresh mozzarella for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Cook the spaghetti two minutes less than the package says for the ideal bake texture this keeps noodles from turning mushy in the oven

Brown the Meat Mixture:

In a large skillet cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat keep stirring and breaking up the meat until it is evenly browned and onions are tender about five to six minutes

Combine with Marinara:

Pour in the marinara sauce and mix everything thoroughly simmer for two minutes to let the flavors blend

Mix the Noodles:

Toss cooked spaghetti with kosher salt beaten eggs and melted unsalted butter make sure every strand is coated for richness and to hold the bake together

Start Layering:

Spread half the spaghetti in a greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish pat down gently to form an even base

Add Cheeses and Meat Sauce:

Spoon half the cottage cheese evenly over the pasta add half the meat sauce then sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese creating even layers

Finish Layering:

Repeat with the rest of the noodles then layer the remaining cottage cheese meat sauce and finish with all the remaining mozzarella cheese on top

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at three hundred fifty degrees for thirty minutes remove the foil and bake another fifteen minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown

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Storage Tips

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days This reheats well in the microwave or oven for easy lunches If you want to freeze it let it cool fully then slice into portions before wrapping tightly and storing in freezer proof containers Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter dish swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken Feel free to use ricotta in place of cottage cheese if you prefer a silkier layer Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost If you are dairy free try plant based cheese options that melt

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic family meal Add steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side For topping try a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a dusting of Italian herbs

Cultural Context

Baked spaghetti is a true American comfort food inspired by both Italian pasta bakes and classic North American casseroles It became especially popular in the Midwest where hearty casseroles rule the dinner table Every family puts their own spin on it making it a nostalgic favorite across generations

Common Queries

→ How do I keep my baked spaghetti from drying out?

Be sure to use enough sauce to thoroughly coat the noodles and cover the dish with foil during baking to retain moisture. Removing the foil only at the end helps keep the top crispy but the inside moist.

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta?

Yes, ricotta works well and gives a creamier texture. Use it in the same quantity as the cottage cheese for a smoother, richer flavor.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Cover the leftover portion with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. This keeps the cheese melty and prevents the pasta from drying.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions that can be layered in with the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ How do I get the cheese topping golden and crispy?

Once the cheese has melted, remove foil for the last 15 minutes in the oven. If you want extra crispness, broil for a few minutes while watching closely.