Baked Spaghetti

You'll take spaghetti night to the next level when you turn your regular ole spaghetti into this delicious baked spaghetti. And honestly there aren't that many extra steps or ingredients. I would only emphasize one thing; shred and grate your cheeses from scratch. I promise it makes a big difference! I buy a lot of my cheese in bulk at Costco or Sam's Club. At these big box stores you can get a large quantity of good quality cheese for an affordable price. I always buy my cheese in blocks not only for the affordability aspect but also to avoid the additives and preservatives that they have to put in the shredded cheeses to keep them from spoiling. It's essentially wood pulp (feel free to google it) and not only do I want to avoid eating extra junk like that, cheese laced with this stuff doesn't melt the same or even taste nearly as good. So I know you're busy, I am too (I have four kids that homeschool/homeschooled pre-pandemic) but if you can I highly recommend fresh cheese, especially the parmesan! I have a step-by-step video on my Instagram page in my highlights section at

https://www.instagram.com/thesoutherndinnerbelle/

Here is how you throw this delicious meal together:

Ingredients:

16 ounces prepared spaghetti noodles

8 tablespoons butter, melted

2 eggs

1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan (measure with your heart)

1 cup sour cream

8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella

4 cups of your favorite spaghetti/meat sauce

salt and pepper

Directions:

Prepare 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain but don’t rinse. Remember to salt in your pasta water!

In a bowl combine prepared noodles with 8 tablespoons melted butter, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan ( I may add more, always measure cheese with your heart). Add a pinch of salt and pepper and mix it all up really well.

Pour your pasta mixture into a prepared (buttered) casserole dish.

In your mixer or a separate bowl mix together :

1 cup sour cream

8 ounces cream cheese

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of salt and pepper

Mix well and then spread over pasta mixture.

Top with your favorite meat sauce. About 4 cups or until fully covered.

Sprinkle on at least 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. I always add some grated parmesan as well Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 350 for 45 minutes