Baked Spaghetti With Cottage Cheese And Cream Cheese
Spaghetti is a favorite comfort food for many people, and there are countless ways to prepare it. One popular variation is baked spaghetti with cottage cheese and cream cheese. This dish combines the traditional flavors of spaghetti with the creamy goodness of two types of cheese. In this article, we'll explore the history of baked spaghetti, how to make it with cottage cheese and cream cheese, and tips for serving and enjoying this flavorful meal.
The History Of Baked Spaghetti
The origins of baked spaghetti are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Italy. The dish became popular in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s as an easy and inexpensive meal for families. Over time, different variations of the dish emerged, including baked spaghetti with cottage cheese and cream cheese.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make baked spaghetti with cottage cheese and cream cheese:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Follow these steps to make baked spaghetti with cottage cheese and cream cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the ground beef and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss to coat.
- Spoon half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the meat sauce on top of the spaghetti mixture in the baking dish.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top of the meat sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Baked spaghetti with cottage cheese and cream cheese is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti with cottage cheese and cream cheese is a delicious twist on a classic dish that is sure to please your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make this flavorful meal in no time. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner at home, baked spaghetti is a dish that everyone will love.