This baked spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, and layers of creamy and melty cheese.
It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings together classic spaghetti flavors in a warm, oven-baked format that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, prepping meals ahead of time, or bringing something reliable to a potluck, this recipe delivers every time.
The layered textures—from creamy cottage cheese to gooey mozzarella—make each bite indulgent and flavorful, with a golden, bubbly top that’s hard to resist.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (32 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the cottage cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and half of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, cottage cheese, mozzarella (2 cups), and meat sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top, and return to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Chefs Notes
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat sauce.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- This dish freezes well—store in airtight containers for easy future meals.