Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe is rich, cheesy and full of comfort. It is perfect for family dinners.
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.