Old-School Baked Spaghetti

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This Old-School Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and delicious meal that brings back nostalgic flavors with every bite. Featuring tender pasta, a rich and hearty meat sauce, and a creamy cheese layer, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a satisfying meal.

With a combination of savory ground beef, sautéed vegetables, flavorful pasta sauce, and a blend of cheeses, this baked spaghetti is a warm and cheesy delight that will become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic Comfort Food – A hearty and satisfying dish that never goes out of style.
  • Layers of Flavor – A creamy cheese mixture balances the rich, meaty tomato sauce.
  • Perfect for Gatherings – Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for meal prep.
  • Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Cheese Layers:

  • 454 grams rotini pasta (or substitute with elbow pasta or spaghetti)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for boiling the pasta)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
  • 1/2 liter to 3/4 liter grated cheese (Mozzarella, Italian blend, or Cheddar)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 226 grams softened cream cheese

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion (white or yellow), diced
  • 227 grams mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 454 grams ground beef (sirloin or lean ground beef preferred)
  • 794 grams red pasta sauce (your favorite marinara or homemade sauce)

For Topping:

  • 1/2 liter to 3/4 liter grated cheese (Mozzarella, Italian blend, or Cheddar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
  2. Add the rotini (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×12-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables & Meat

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic, diced green bell pepper, diced onion, and sliced mushrooms.
  3. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  5. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat.
  7. Stir in the red pasta sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
  2. Using a hand mixer or immersion blender, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Spaghetti

  1. Spread half of the cooked pasta in an even layer in the greased baking dish.
  2. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
  3. Add the remaining pasta on top of the cheese layer.
  4. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake & Finish with Cheese

  1. Cover the dish with foil (spraying the foil with oil helps prevent sticking).
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining grated cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy a delicious, cheesy bite of this comforting dish.

Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti

  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own cheese creates a creamier texture.
  • Let it Rest Before Serving – This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
  • Make it Ahead – Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
  • Customize Your Pasta – Try penne, rigatoni, or whole wheat pasta for variety.
  • Boost the Flavor – Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for extra flavor.

Variations & Additions

1. Protein Variations:

  • Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles.
  • For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.

2. Vegetable-Packed Version:

  • Add zucchini, spinach, or roasted eggplant for extra nutrition.
  • Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for added texture.

3. Extra Cheesy Version:

  • Mix Parmesan cheese into the meat sauce for an even richer flavor.
  • Use a blend of Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Provolone for a gooey, cheesy topping.

What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti

This hearty dish pairs well with:

  • Garlic Bread – Classic buttery garlic bread or breadsticks complement the rich flavors.
  • Side Salad – A fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette balances the meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus add a healthy touch.
  • Antipasto Platter – Serve with olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats for an Italian-style meal.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Freeze for Later: Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.
  • Make Individual Portions: Divide into meal prep containers for quick and easy lunches.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: ~450
  • Carbohydrates: ~50g
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Fiber: ~5g

This baked spaghetti is packed with protein, fiber, and cheesy goodness, making it a deliciously filling meal for the whole family.

Final Thoughts

This Old-School Baked Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings people together. With layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the kind of meal that feels like home.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, this easy baked spaghetti recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of a classic homemade favorite.

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