Crockpot Recipe for Baked Spaghetti
An Easy Casserole Recipe for the Slow Cooker or the Oven
Sep 24, 2009
At potluck gatherings or at home, baked spaghetti is a year round favorite. This version holds together well, which makes it super portable. In addition, this recipe calls for parmesan, mozzarella, and blended cottage cheese which makes it popular with children and cheese lovers of all ages. And because the cottage cheese is turned into a creamy, cheesy mixture in the food processor, even those who dislike cottage cheese will enjoy this recipe.
Crockpot Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (26 ounce) jar plus one cup of meatless spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain the meat mixture well and return to the skillet. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce, water and salt, and set aside. (The extra cup of spaghetti sauce called for in the recipe will be used in a later step.)
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, parmesan cheese and butter.
- Drain the spaghetti. Allow to cool slightly and add the spaghetti to the egg mixture. Toss to coat well.
- Measure out 2 cups of small curd cottage cheese and place in a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Grease the bottom and sides of the crock pot (or casserole dish, if you prefer). Gently spread the extra cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom.
- Place half of the cooked spaghetti in the crock pot. Top with half the cottage cheese, (spreading as well as possible), meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover and bake according to the directions below.
Crockpot baking instructions:
To bake in a crockpot, cook spaghetti on high for 1 to 2 hours. Reduce heat and cook on low setting (not warm) for an additional hour. Mozzarella should be well melted.
Oven baking Instructions:
Layer ingredients in a 9 x 13 inch or slightly larger casserole dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, and casserole is bubbly. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to set a few minutes. Casserole may be cut into serving sized squares, if desired.
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