Cheesy Spaghetti Bake
A comforting family favorite, this Cheesy Spaghetti Bake combines melted cheese with hearty pasta for a delightful feast that pleases everyone.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti Use al dente pasta.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternative.
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup cottage cheese Can use dairy-free alternative.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add spaghetti and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti, meat sauce, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for better slicing. Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated.