k&w baked spaghetti recipe

✨ The K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe is a Southern comfort food classic cheesy, hearty, and baked to perfection for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.

Introduction to K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect comfort food, look no further! And the recipe is a classic Southern staple that never fails the comfort food test. This recipe is based on the favorite of the K&W Cafeteria and features layers of tender pasta, hearty tomato sauce, zesty ground beef, and lots and lots of melted cheese, all baked until hot and bubbly. The homestyle kind of meal makes the table feel warm and reminds you of those family dinners on Sunday nights.
The K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe is so good because of the incredible blend of flavors and textures. The pasta remains chewy beneath the sturdy sauce, and the cheese melts to a bubbly golden crust. Unlike stovetop spaghetti, regular-style Baked Spaghetti is more flavorful and has a heartier texture, so it makes for a filling main dish that’s easy to serve with garlic bread or a cool, crunchy side salad.
Whether making a throwback from your childhood cafeteria days at home or a rich-tasting baked pasta that satisfies your cheese cravings, the K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe is an easy and delicious offering both kids and grown-ups will love. It’s a make-ahead recipe, reheatable for busy weeknights and a great dish to serve at gatherings where everyone is served an entree. If you’re a fan, as we are, of cozy, homestyle recipes, this baked Spaghetti will easily become a staple in your kitchen.

K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

The K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe a warm and comforting nostalgia on a plate. With tomatoey-meaty-bakey goodness, juicy, thick noodles and golden melted cheese, this beefy spaghetti recipe is casserole spaghetti at its hearty, budget-friendly best. But unlike stovetop spaghetti, it’s baked and has a distinctive texture and taste that feels both homestyle and indulgent.

Keys for Perfecting K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Perfecting the K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe is all about balance and technique. First and foremost, you want to start with the best quality ground beef, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy. An aromatic and rich tomato sauce, flavored with garlic, onions and Italian herbs, forms the flavor base. It’s also important to layer the pasta, sauce and cheese so you get a cheesy, gooey bite every time you dig in with your fork. Finally, bake until the top is bubbly and golden, and irresistible.

Why Homemade is a Great Idea

That is easily avoided when preparing the K&W baked spaghetti recipe at home. Season to taste and use lean meats instead, or trade in healthier options altogether. It’s also cheaper than eating out, and homemade baked Spaghetti allows you to make bigger batches for meal prep or for larger groups of people. And the smell of spaghetti baking in your oven gives that warm-from-scratch comfort feeling that takeout can never replicate.

Health Benefits of K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional advantages when you prepare baked spaghetti with wholesome ingredients:

By making small swaps like using low-fat cheese or extra vegetables you can turn this classic into a healthier comfort food option.

K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe From Dailyrecipespot

K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe

This classic K&W baked spaghetti recipe combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection for a hearty comfort meal the whole family will love. Author Use Default (Don’t show) Servings 4 people Estimated Cost $5 Times Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Resting Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Categories Main Dish Pasta Recipes Comfort Food Cuisines American Italian-American Keywords k&w baked spaghetti recipe, baked spaghetti, comfort food pasta

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz spaghetti cooked al dente
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 24 oz jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Large pot – for boiling pasta
• Large skillet (for cooking beef & sauce)
• 9×13 baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Combine pasta with a portion of the sauce to coat noodles.
7. Layer pasta, sauce, and cheeses in the baking dish. Repeat layers until full, finishing with cheese on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
10. Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
11. Calories: 520 kcal
12. Protein: 28g
13. Carbohydrates: 48g
14. Fat: 22g
15. Fiber: 4g

Notes

For a creamier texture, add ricotta or cottage cheese between layers.

Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe

• Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking.
• Mix a little sauce with the pasta before layering to keep it moist.
• Add a blend of cheeses (like mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar) for depth of flavor.
• Cover with foil for the first half of baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to achieve a golden crust.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so the layers hold together when serving.

K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe Variations

The beauty of the k&w baked spaghetti recipe is its flexibility. You can create endless variations depending on your taste and dietary needs:

• Low-carb version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the meat for mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier texture.

Conclusion: K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe

The K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe is more than just a meal it’s a comforting tradition. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, it combines convenience with home-cooked goodness. By mastering a few key techniques and customizing it to your taste, you can recreate the classic K&W flavor right in your kitchen. Whether you keep it traditional or explore fun variations, this baked spaghetti is a dish that everyone will love.

🍴 Share Your Twist!

Have you tried the K&W Baked Spaghetti Recipe with your own spin maybe extra cheese, spicy sausage, or added veggies? Share your twist in the comments below to inspire other home cooks.