Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cottage cheese, divided
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step ensures your cheesy baked spaghetti comes out perfectly every time.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the marinara sauce and stir well to combine. This flavorful meat sauce is the heart of your dish.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with kosher salt, beaten eggs, and melted butter. This mixture binds the pasta and adds richness to your cheesy baked spaghetti.
Layer half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cottage cheese evenly over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of mozzarella for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy on top.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This ultimate cheesy baked spaghetti is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, hearty dish!