Craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and trendy? Look no further than the TikTok Spaghetti Recipe, which has taken the internet by storm! This creamy, cheesy, and meaty baked spaghetti dish became famous for its irresistible combination of flavors and its fun, easy-to-follow method. If you’ve been seeing it all over your social media feed and wondering how to make it at home, you’re in luck. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you exactly how to recreate this viral dish in your own kitchen. So, let’s get started and learn how to make this delicious TikTok Spaghetti!
What is TikTok Spaghetti?
TikTok Spaghetti is a variation of baked spaghetti that layers traditional pasta, ground meat, and marinara sauce with a creamy, cheesy mixture that’s blended with either cream cheese or ricotta, creating a rich and indulgent experience. The final step is baking everything together until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The result is a comfort-food classic that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a fun meal prep option. It’s no surprise that this recipe has gone viral—it’s easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious!
Ingredients List for TikTok Spaghetti
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. This recipe serves about 6 people, but you can easily scale it up or down.
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (for boiling the pasta)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened, or substitute with ricotta cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the final layer)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Additional Ingredients for TikTok Spaghetti
Feel free to customize your TikTok Spaghetti with these optional ingredients to suit your taste preferences:
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for a boost of veggies.
- Spices: For more depth, you can add a dash of Italian seasoning or smoked paprika to the meat sauce.
- Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes: If you like your pasta with a little kick, feel free to increase the spice level by adding hot sauce to the creamy mixture or extra red pepper flakes.
- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese for a less rich filling.
Substitutions and Variations
This viral recipe is easy to adapt! Here are a few ideas for making substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground meat and use sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. You could also add a can of drained and rinsed lentils to the sauce for extra protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella substitute. Coconut cream can also work in place of sour cream.
- Low-Carb: Swap the spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb version.
These substitutions make it easy to enjoy TikTok Spaghetti while catering to different dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let's walk through the process of making TikTok Spaghetti step by step:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Step 2: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef (or your preferred meat) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Step 5: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Mix until smooth and creamy. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- Step 3: Set the creamy cheese mixture aside.
4. Assemble the TikTok Spaghetti:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Step 3: Layer the creamy cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 4: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
- Step 5: Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, spreading it out evenly to cover all the pasta.
5. Add the Topping and Bake:
- Step 1: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan over the meat sauce layer.
- Step 2: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Step 1: Once baked, remove the TikTok Spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 2: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Step 3: Slice into portions and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and delicious pasta bake!
How to Cook TikTok Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking TikTok Spaghetti involves these simple steps:
- Boil the spaghetti until al dente and toss with olive oil.
- Prepare the meat sauce by browning ground beef and mixing it with marinara and spices.
- Make the creamy cheese mixture by combining cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
- Layer the dish with pasta, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and more cheese.
- Bake until golden and bubbly, then serve and enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes when making TikTok Spaghetti:
- Overcooking the Spaghetti: Be careful not to overcook the pasta during the initial boiling step. Since it will bake in the oven, the pasta can become mushy if it’s too soft before baking.
- Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, or it will be hard to combine with the other ingredients.
- Skipping the Foil: Don’t skip covering the dish with foil while baking. This prevents the top cheese layer from browning too quickly before the rest of the dish is heated through.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To serve TikTok Spaghetti, cut it into square portions for an easy-to-serve dish that holds its shape. Pair it with:
- A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing to balance out the richness.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.
- Steamed vegetables for a healthier side option.
How to Serve TikTok Spaghetti
This dish is great for a family-style meal. Serve it directly from the baking dish or scoop out individual portions onto plates. It also works well for potlucks or parties, as it can be easily made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Presentation Ideas for TikTok Spaghetti
For an appealing presentation, top each serving with fresh basil or parsley. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top and serve with a side of garlic bread for a restaurant-quality touch.
TikTok Spaghetti Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance by assembling the layers and refrigerating it before baking. Just be sure to add 10-15 extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta for TikTok Spaghetti?
Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute any pasta shape, like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just leave out the meat or replace it with a plant-based ground meat substitute, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
The viral TikTok Spaghetti Recipe has earned its popularity for a reason—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! This baked pasta dish is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing for a party, this dish will be a hit. Try it today and enjoy the deliciousness of this social media sensation!
PrintTiktok Spaghetti Recipe
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti (or preferred pasta)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt (for boiling)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey, chicken, sausage)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened, or ricotta)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional)
Optional Ingredients:
- Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spices: Add Italian seasoning or smoked paprika.
- Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes: For extra heat.
- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: Swap cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti (or preferred pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt (for boiling)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey, chicken, sausage)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened, or ricotta)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional)
Optional Ingredients:
- Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spices: Add Italian seasoning or smoked paprika.
- Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes: For extra heat.
- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: Swap cream cheese for a lighter version.
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble: In a baking dish, layer half the cooked spaghetti. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by the remaining spaghetti. Pour the meat sauce evenly on top.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables or spices to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
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