Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe is rich, cheesy and full of comfort. It is perfect for family dinners. This dish is creamy inside and golden on top.
The Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe is easy to prepare at home. If you love pasta and cheese, this recipe is for you.
Today, I will show you How to make Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti step by step in a simple way.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is layering. Every layer has sauce, cheese and pasta.
Use a creamy mixture with cream cheese and sour cream. It makes the spaghetti soft and rich.
Do not overcook pasta. It will cook more in the oven.
Bake until the top is golden and bubbly. That crust adds extra flavor.
Let it rest before cutting. This keeps slices neat and firm.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti
Here are the Ingredients for Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.
3. Add Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion and garlic to beef. Cook until soft and fragrant, about three minutes.
4. Add Sauce and Seasoning
Pour marinara sauce and diced tomatoes into beef. Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer five minutes.
5. Prepare Creamy Mixture
In bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
6. Combine Pasta and Cream Mixture
Add cooked spaghetti into creamy mixture. Toss gently so pasta is evenly coated.
7. Start Layering
Spread half spaghetti mixture into greased baking dish. Top with half meat sauce evenly.
8. Add Cheese Layer
Sprinkle one cup mozzarella cheese over meat sauce. Spread evenly for full coverage.
9. Repeat Layers
Add remaining spaghetti mixture, then remaining meat sauce. Finish with mozzarella and parmesan on top.
10. Bake the Dish
Bake in preheated oven at 180°C for 30–35 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
11. Rest Before Serving
Remove from oven and let rest ten minutes. This helps slices stay firm and neat.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for lighter option.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese if preferred.
- Add red chili flakes for mild heat.
- Cover with foil first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving for fresh taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Values are approximate and may vary.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe with garlic bread.
- Add a fresh green salad on the side.
- It pairs well with roasted vegetables.
- You can serve it at family gatherings or potlucks.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze baked spaghetti for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven at 170°C until warmed through.
- Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
- Add small splash of water before reheating to keep moist.
Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
Cook the Beef
- Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Add Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and garlic to beef. Cook until soft and fragrant, about three minutes.
Add Sauce and Seasoning
- Pour marinara sauce and diced tomatoes into beef. Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer five minutes.
Prepare Creamy Mixture
- In bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Combine Pasta and Cream Mixture
- Add cooked spaghetti into creamy mixture. Toss gently so pasta is evenly coated.
Start Layering
- Spread half spaghetti mixture into greased baking dish. Top with half meat sauce evenly.
Add Cheese Layer
- Sprinkle one cup mozzarella cheese over meat sauce. Spread evenly for full coverage.
Repeat Layers
- Add remaining spaghetti mixture, then remaining meat sauce. Finish with mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Bake the Dish
- Bake in preheated oven at 180°C for 30–35 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
Rest Before Serving
- Remove from oven and let rest ten minutes. This helps slices stay firm and neat.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for lighter option.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese if preferred.
- Add red chili flakes for mild heat.
- Cover with foil first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving for fresh taste.
FAQs about Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti
1. Can I make Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it one day earlier. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
2. How to make Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean meat and low-fat cheese. You can also reduce cheese quantity slightly.
3. Can I freeze this recipe before baking?
Yes, assemble completely and freeze. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking for best texture.
4. Why is my baked spaghetti watery?
This may happen if pasta was overcooked or sauce too thin. Drain pasta well before layering.
5. What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives stretch. Parmesan adds sharp flavor and golden crust on top.
Conclusion
Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe is creamy, cheesy and perfect for comfort meals. It is simple and family friendly.
Now you know exactly How to make Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti at home. Follow the easy steps and helpful tips for best results.
Try this delicious baked pasta today and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.