Set the oven to the broil setting first if you want it to heat up faster. Then, when you’re ready to put the casserole in, switch it back to the bake setting.
Add a pinch of salt to the pasta water if you want to make your spaghetti more flavorful. [3] X Research source If you prefer al dente noodles, reduce the cooking time to about 8 to 10 minutes.
Use a 12 in (30 cm) skillet if you don’t want the meat to be overcrowded in the pan. You can use olive oil in the bottom of the pan when browning to add more flavor and fat to the meat, but it isn’t necessary. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after handling raw beef. Otherwise, you could contaminate the rest of the kitchen.
Don’t pour grease down the sink or you could damage the pipes. Strain it into a plastic container, let it cool, and then throw it away. Use premade spaghetti sauce from the store, or make your own from scratch.
Grease the dish with olive oil, shortening, or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom. If you’re using a nonstick dish, you don’t need to grease it.
Feel free to top your spaghetti with another type of cheese instead of cheddar.
Keep track of the time by using the clock app on your phone or setting a timer.
If there are leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
If you set the oven to broil first, it will heat up faster. Just remember to turn it back to the standard bake setting!
If the box of spaghetti you’re using is larger than 8 oz (0. 23 kg), measure the amount of spaghetti you need first to ensure you use the correct amount for this recipe. Keep in mind that the spaghetti will continue cooking slightly in the oven, so don’t let the noodles get mushy on the stove.
A 12 in (30 cm) skillet is the perfect size for this recipe.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water if you touch the raw meat so you don’t spread any harmful bacteria.
Don’t pour the grease from the beef down the sink. Instead, put it in a plastic container until it cools. Then toss it in the trash. You can use any flavor of spaghetti sauce that you like, or make your own.
Use any size pan, or even skillet, that you’d like. Typically, this recipe is baked in a 13 in × 9 in (33 cm × 23 cm) casserole dish. You don’t need to grease or spray the dish. The butter will prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the bottom or burning.
It may help to divide the spaghetti evenly in 2 bowls to better approximate how much is 1/2 of the noodles. Otherwise, you could end up with not enough pasta for the top of the casserole. Use the back of a spoon to spread the cottage cheese mixture easily.
If your hands are clean, use them to lay the noodles on top. You’ll have more control than if you use a spoon.
Use a ladle to scoop the sauce over the top of the spaghetti as an alternative to just dumping it. It can help you evenly distribute the mixture.
Set a kitchen timer or use the clock app on your phone to keep track of the time.
If you don’t like cheddar cheese, substitute it for the cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or colby jack.
If you like crispier, browner cheese, turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 4 days.
