Description
Comforting baked spaghetti layered with rich meat sauce and plenty of melted cheese, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (32 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
Cheese Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prepare and Preheat: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
- Make Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking and stirring until the meat is browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess oil. Stir in the meatless spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt, combining thoroughly.
- Mix Cheese Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat it evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients to create a sturdy, cheesy casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
- Add Final Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking, then serve warm for a fulfilling and hearty meal everyone will love.
Notes
- For best results, drain the cooked spaghetti well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option if desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
