Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole that combines al dente spaghetti noodles with a creamy cheese mixture, rich meat sauce, and a golden baked cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe delivers gooey, cheesy, flavorful layers that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 16 oz. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 24 oz. jar spaghetti sauce or homemade pasta sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz. spaghetti noodles
- 16 oz. whole milk cottage cheese or whole milk ricotta
- 3 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella, divided
- 1.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Olive oil, for tossing pasta
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the spaghetti noodles, cooking them 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend for a firm bite. Drain and toss with olive oil, then season lightly with salt and pepper to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, then add the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a few pinches of salt and pepper to the beef. Cook while stirring frequently for about 4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Sauce: Pour in the spaghetti sauce, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti noodles with cottage cheese (or ricotta), half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, heavy cream, and a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Use tongs to evenly toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the spaghetti and cheese mixture into an even layer.
- Layer Meat Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for a rich cheese crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through, cheese is melted, and edges begin to bubble. Optionally, remove foil and broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese topping.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set. Cut into slices and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting cheesy baked spaghetti!
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Using fresh herbs like basil or parsley in the sauce can enhance the flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
