Cheesy Comfort Spaghetti Bake
This Cheesy Comfort Spaghetti Bake is a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings together rich flavors and gooey cheese in every bite. Tailored to suit your family's preferences, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies or proteins. With layers of spaghetti, savory ground beef (or turkey), and three types of cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be easily customized. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this one-dish meal is not only convenient but also packed with hearty goodness. Get ready to delight your taste buds and cozy up with this creamy, cheesy bake!
6
Servings
640
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1 (16 ounce package, cooked according to package directions)
mozzarella cheese
2 (cups, shredded (divide 1 cup for mixing, 1 cup for topping))
parmesan cheese
3/4 (cup, grated)
romano cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
eggs
3 (beaten)
olives or vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
garlic powder
2 (teaspoons)
salt and pepper
to taste
spaghetti sauce
2 (737 g jars)
green pepper
optional (diced)
mushroom
optional (sliced)
red onion
1 (small, diced)
ground beef or ground turkey
1 (lb, lean)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until no longer pink, adding diced red onion during the last few minutes of cooking until softened.
3
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, grated Romano cheese, beaten eggs, olives (or vegetable oil), garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until combined.
5
Add the drained spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
6
Grease a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish and evenly press the spaghetti mixture into the bottom.
7
Spread the ground meat and onion mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer. If desired, add any other vegetables like green pepper or mushrooms at this stage.
8
Pour the two jars of spaghetti sauce over the meat layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10
After 20 minutes, uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
11
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious cheesy bake!
Nutrition Information
33
Fat
57
Carbs
33
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Comfort Spaghetti Bake?
It is a delightful twist on a classic spaghetti dish that combines savory ground meat, three types of cheese, and pasta in a baked format.
How many servings does this spaghetti bake yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 640 calories.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and grated Romano cheese.
Can I use a different meat besides ground beef?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey based on your preference.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much spaghetti do I need?
One 16-ounce package of spaghetti is required.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti before baking?
Yes, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it is al dente before assembling the bake.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish is recommended.
How many eggs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 beaten eggs to help bind the cheese and pasta mixture.
What optional vegetables can I add?
You can optionally add diced green peppers or sliced mushrooms to the meat layer.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need two 737g jars of spaghetti sauce.
How long does the dish bake in total?
The dish bakes for a total of 30 minutes: 20 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
When do I add the final layer of mozzarella cheese?
Add the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese after the initial 20 minutes of baking, then bake for 10 more minutes.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 33 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 33 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 57 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there a specific way to prepare the onion?
One small red onion should be diced and browned in a skillet with the ground meat.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease the baking dish before pressing the spaghetti mixture into the bottom.
Can I use vegetable oil if I don't have olives?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of olives or vegetable oil.
How should the Parmesan and Romano cheeses be prepared?
Both the Parmesan and Romano cheeses should be grated.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal that is great for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
How do I know when the meat is done?
Brown the meat over medium heat until it is no longer pink.
What is the purpose of the eggs in this recipe?
The beaten eggs are mixed with the cheese and pasta to create a stable base layer for the bake.
Should I cover the dish with foil?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include spaghetti, bake, cheese, pasta, one dish, comfort food, and family meal.
Can I customize the recipe?
Yes, it is tailored to suit family preferences and is a great way to use up leftover veggies or proteins.
How much Mozzarella is used in the mix versus the topping?
Use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for the internal mixture and 1 cup for the topping.
What should I do after taking it out of the oven?
Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.