TikTok Spaghetti Recipe

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve likely come across the viral TikTok spaghetti recipe. This dish combines classic spaghetti with a rich, cheesy, and creamy baked twist, taking your pasta game to the next level. It’s comfort food at its finest, with layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese sauce, and flavorful ground beef, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping, or just looking to try the latest TikTok trend, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Read on to learn how to make this mouthwatering baked spaghetti step by step!

this Recipe

What is TikTok Spaghetti?

TikTok spaghetti is a baked spaghetti recipe that has taken social media by storm. The dish includes layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. The result is a rich, indulgent, and cheesy pasta bake that combines the best elements of a traditional spaghetti Bolognese and a creamy pasta casserole. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, it’s the kind of meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients List for TikTok Spaghetti

Here’s everything you’ll need to make TikTok spaghetti:

For the Spaghetti:

1. Spaghetti pasta – 1 pound (450g)
2. Salt – for pasta water

For the Meat Sauce:

1. Ground beef – 1 pound (450g) (you can also use Italian sausage or a mix)
2. Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
3. Onion – 1 medium, chopped
4. Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
5. Tomato sauce – 2 cups (homemade or store-bought marinara sauce)
6. Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
7. Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
8. Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
9. Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

1. Cream cheese – 8 ounces (softened)
2. Sour cream – ½ cup
3. Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (divided)
4. Shredded Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
5. Milk – ¼ cup (to loosen up the cream cheese mixture)
6. Salt and pepper – to taste

For Topping:

1. Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
2. Fresh parsley or basil – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this viral TikTok spaghetti recipe is its flexibility. You can make it your own by swapping out ingredients or adding new flavors to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Meat Alternatives: If you want to lighten up the dish or make it healthier, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. For a vegetarian option, use lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you’re out of cream cheese or sour cream, you can substitute with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. You can also add cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetables: Bulk up your pasta with vegetables like zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables with the onions for extra flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like your pasta with a little kick, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through how to make TikTok spaghetti step by step. This baked pasta dish comes together easily with a few simple ingredients and techniques.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches) with non-stick spray or a little olive oil to prevent the spaghetti from sticking.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the tomato sauce and let the meat sauce simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Once done, set it aside.

4. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ¼ cup of milk. Stir until smooth and well combined. Add in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of shredded Parmesan, mixing until fully incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The result should be a smooth, creamy mixture that will form the cheesy layer in your spaghetti bake.

5. Layer the Spaghetti

In the greased baking dish, start by adding a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Next, layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti, creating a smooth layer. Add the rest of the spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce.

6. Top with Mozzarella and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

7. Broil for a Crispy Top

After baking, remove the aluminum foil and set the oven to broil. Let the spaghetti bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once done, remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added color and flavor. Slice and serve hot!

How to Cook TikTok Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, and ground beef, and mix with tomato sauce and seasonings.
4. Prepare the creamy cheese layer with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
5. Layer the spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella and bake covered for 25-30 minutes.
7. Broil for a golden, crispy top, then garnish with parsley or basil and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly while baking. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can be difficult to combine with the other ingredients and may result in a lumpy texture.
• Skipping the Broil: Don’t skip the broil step! It gives the top of the spaghetti a golden, crispy finish that adds texture and makes the dish more appealing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair this rich baked spaghetti with homemade garlic bread or garlic knots for a classic, comforting combo.
• Side Salad: A Caesar salad or simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish.
• Make it a Party Dish: TikTok spaghetti is a great dish to serve for family gatherings, potlucks, or parties. Serve it right out of the baking dish for a rustic, homey presentation.

How to Serve TikTok Spaghetti

• Family Style: Serve directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop their portions at the table. This casual style is great for family dinners.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions of spaghetti on plates, garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas for TikTok Spaghetti

• Cheese Pull: After broiling, slice the baked spaghetti and lift a piece while it’s hot to showcase that irresistible cheese pull.
• Cast Iron Skillet: For a rustic presentation, bake the spaghetti in a large cast iron skillet and serve it directly from the skillet at the table.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, basil, or even chives over the top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

TikTok Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the oven.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best flavor and melt, use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture.
• Customize the Meat Sauce: Feel free to get creative with the meat sauce by adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make TikTok spaghetti ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the spaghetti bake up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking directly from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze TikTok spaghetti?
   Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine if you prefer.
4. Can I make this recipe without meat?
   Yes, for a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce instead.

Conclusion

TikTok spaghetti is a viral sensation for a reason—it’s rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors that will satisfy any pasta lover. The combination of layers of tender spaghetti, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy cheese makes this dish a surefire winner. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or serving it at a party, this baked spaghetti is bound to be a hit. Give it a try, and you’ll see why everyone’s talking about it!

Print