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There is something undeniably comforting and satisfying about a warm, bubbling casserole that brings everyone to the table with smiles and hungry eyes. This Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe combines tender pasta with rich Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and bright tomato sauces to create a dish bursting with flavor and heart. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that wraps up classic Italian-American flavors in a cozy, cheesy hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients—each playing a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and color. From savory sausage to creamy cottage cheese, every item contributes to the magic happening in your baking dish.
- 16-oz package spaghetti: The pasta base that holds all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds robust, savory taste and a lovely meaty texture.
- 26-oz jar spaghetti sauce: A rich tomato blend that infuses hearty flavor into the dish.
- 8-oz can tomato sauce: Enhances the sauce’s depth and tang.
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, salty boost to the creamy layers.
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the spaghetti with the egg mixture.
- 2 eggs: Essential for holding the layers in place and creating a luscious texture.
- 2 cups cottage cheese: Brings creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible cheesy melt and golden top.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances every element in the dish.
How to Make Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures the pasta layers won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Follow package directions to cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain it thoroughly. Properly cooked pasta is key to the perfect texture in this baked spaghetti, providing a sturdy but tender base for the toppings.
Step 3: Cook the Italian Sausage and Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then drain off the fat for a lighter finish. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This sauce mixture creates the savory, saucy foundation that ties the dish together.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti With Eggs and Parmesan
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter until smooth. Toss the cooked spaghetti into this mixture, coating every strand with rich flavor and binding power. This step helps the pasta layer hold firm while baking.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Start by spreading half of the coated spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add an even layer of half the cottage cheese, then spoon over half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients for a well-balanced casserole.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. This method ensures the cheese melts evenly and the flavors meld beautifully. For an optional finishing touch, garnish with chopped parsley for color and a fresh hint.
How to Serve Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley or basil over the baked spaghetti before serving adds a lovely pop of green and a herbaceous brightness that balances the rich and cheesy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli also make great accompaniments for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this baked spaghetti in individual ramekins for personal portions, or layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the beautiful layers through the side. Add colorful toppings like sliced olives or cherry tomatoes for visual appeal and added bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner that reheats well without losing its delicious texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe ahead of time or freeze leftovers, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350ºF until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, removing it near the end to crisp the cheese topping back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, you can substitute other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms and add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Ricotta can be swapped in to give a creamier, richer texture. Cottage cheese lends a lighter feel and slightly tangy taste, but both work wonderfully.
How do I avoid the baked spaghetti becoming dry?
Using plenty of sauce and not overcooking the pasta before baking are key. Also, covering the dish with foil during baking helps keep moisture locked in.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort right into your kitchen. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for gatherings big or small. Once you taste the layers of cheesy goodness combined with hearty sausage and tangy tomato sauce, this dish will surely become one of your favorites to savor again and again.
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Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Favorite Baked Spaghetti recipe is a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring layers of tender spaghetti coated in a rich meat and tomato sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella, it’s baked to golden perfection for a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside to use later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce: While the spaghetti cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Spaghetti Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Add the cooked spaghetti to this mixture and toss well to coat each strand evenly.
- Layer the Casserole: Spoon half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Layer half of the cottage cheese over the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce, then half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining spaghetti, cottage cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Spaghetti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a colorful presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Using low-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella reduces the fat content while keeping it creamy.
- Make ahead tip: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from chilled.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
