Heavenly Spaghetti(Spalogna!)
Heavenly Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish with a rich meat sauce and fresh green onions, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions using a mixer until smooth.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; add the three small cans of tomato sauce and set aside.
- Boil 8 ounces of thin spaghetti until firm; drain.
- Grease a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the pan, spread half of the cheese mixture over it, then layer the remaining spaghetti.
- Pour the meat mixture over the layered spaghetti and cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. This dish is perfect for a crowd!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Heavenly Spaghetti with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or potlucks. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian-Style Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Spaghetti(Spalogna!) contains roughly 474 calories, with 21g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti works well, you can substitute with penne or fusilli for a different texture. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different boiling times.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add lentils or beans for added protein and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).