TikTok Baked Spaghetti: The Viral Pasta Recipe You Need to Try!

Have you scrolled through TikTok lately and been bombarded with videos of creamy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious-looking baked spaghetti? If so, you’re not alone! This viral recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, customizable, and delivers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings. This blog post will guide you through the steps to recreate this TikTok sensation in your own kitchen, offering variations and tips to make it your own.

What Makes TikTok Baked Spaghetti So Popular?

Several factors contribute to the popularity of this baked spaghetti recipe:

• Simplicity: The recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal cooking skills.
• Customization: You can easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences, using different types of meat, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Convenience: It’s a great make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights. You can assemble it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
• Visual Appeal: Let’s face it – the melted cheese and bubbly sauce make for a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for sharing on social media!

The Basic TikTok Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Here’s the base recipe that most TikTok users are adapting from. We’ll explore modifications later on.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based ground meat)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set aside. Do not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Brown the Meat: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or your chosen meat) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing a rich and flavorful sauce.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This ricotta mixture adds creaminess and richness to the baked spaghetti.
6. Assemble the Baked Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
7. Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
8. Add the Final Layer of Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti. The cheese will melt and create a golden-brown, bubbly crust.
9. Bake the Spaghetti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips for Perfect TikTok Baked Spaghetti

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the spaghetti al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the oven.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a good quality marinara sauce and fresh, flavorful cheeses.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering Step: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer and more complex sauce.
• Grease the Baking Dish: This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the baked spaghetti to rest for 10 minutes before slicing will help it hold its shape and prevent it from being too watery.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations to suit your taste:

Meat Variations:

• Italian Sausage: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier and more flavorful dish. You can use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
• Ground Turkey: For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Ground chicken also works well.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables. You can also use plant-based ground meat substitutes. Consider adding sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.

Vegetable Additions:

• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Add chopped bell peppers (any color) to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
• Zucchini: Add diced zucchini to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of intense flavor.

Cheese Variations:

• Provolone Cheese: Substitute some of the mozzarella cheese with provolone cheese for a slightly sharper flavor.
• Asiago Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Asiago cheese on top of the baked spaghetti for a nutty and salty flavor.
• Fontina Cheese: Use Fontina cheese for a creamy and melty texture.
• Goat Cheese: Crumble goat cheese over the ricotta mixture for a tangy and creamy flavor.

Spice it Up:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Italian Seasoning: Use Italian seasoning instead of oregano and basil for a more complex flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce for an extra garlicky flavor.

Sauce Variations:

• Vodka Sauce: Use vodka sauce instead of marinara sauce for a creamy and decadent dish.
• Pesto: Swirl pesto into the ricotta mixture for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
• Arrabbiata Sauce: For a spicy kick, use Arrabbiata sauce, which is a marinara sauce with chili peppers.

Make it Gluten-Free:

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version of this recipe. There are many good quality gluten-free pasta options available these days.

Make it Dairy-Free/Vegan:

• Dairy-Free Ricotta: Use a dairy-free ricotta cheese alternative, made from tofu or nuts.
• Vegan Mozzarella: Use a vegan mozzarella cheese alternative.
• Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This baked spaghetti is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Baked spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with the following sides:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
• Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this baked spaghetti lies in the combination of flavors and textures. The tender spaghetti is coated in a rich and flavorful meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta cheese, and topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese. The baking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a cohesive and satisfying dish.

The ricotta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the savory meat sauce. The mozzarella cheese provides a melty and gooey texture that’s irresistible. And the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Furthermore, the use of both marinara sauce and tomato sauce creates a complex and flavorful sauce. The diced tomatoes add a bit of texture and freshness to the sauce.

The recipe is also forgiving. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your taste. You can add more or less cheese, more or less meat, more or less vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses, meats, and vegetables to create your own unique version of this baked spaghetti.

Troubleshooting

• Spaghetti is Dry: If the spaghetti seems dry after baking, add a little bit of extra marinara sauce or tomato sauce before serving.
• Cheese is Not Melting: If the cheese is not melting properly, make sure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature. You can also broil the spaghetti for a minute or two to help the cheese melt and brown. However, watch it carefully to prevent burning.
• Ricotta Mixture is Runny: If the ricotta mixture seems too runny, add a little bit of breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
• Bottom is Burning: If the bottom of the spaghetti is burning, lower the oven temperature slightly and bake for a longer period of time. You can also place a baking sheet on the rack below the baking dish to help deflect heat.

Conclusion

TikTok Baked Spaghetti is more than just a viral trend; it’s a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable nature and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this TikTok sensation!

Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #TikTokBakedSpaghetti! We can’t wait to see your versions of this delicious dish!

Enjoy!