Credits: Social Media
I made TikTok’s viral Baked Spaghetti, and I just don’t see the point
The latest viral TikTok recipe everyone is raving about is Baked Spaghetti. It’s been circling the app for a few years now but has suddenly skyrocketed in 2024, and I had to give it a try.
I’m a sucker for anything pasta related so Baked Spaghetti sounded right up my street, but I was sceptical about this one from the off – and I definitely should’ve trusted my gut.
TikTok’s Baked Spaghetti
Baked Spaghetti is a combination of two world-famous pasta dishes – Spaghetti Bolognese and Lasagne. You layer spaghetti, beef Rag� and white sauce (B�chamel or Alfredo) in a dish and bake the whole thing in the oven.
It’s topped with loads of grated cheese of your choice, like cheddar or parmesan, which melts in the oven and creates a slightly crispy top layer – and people on social media are totally obsessed with the dish.
One person wrote on TikTok “Oh my lawd it’s amazing,” while another said: “It’s so freaking ridiculously good.”
A third person added: “Made it today. Sooo fire,” and someone else agreed: “10/10 highly recommend.”
I just don’t see the point
The videos have been circling my For You Page for months now, so I finally decided to make it at the weekend and let’s just say I wasn’t best impressed.
I followed a TikTok tutorial, starting by browning some ground beef in a pan with diced white onion and seasoning. Then, I added marinara sauce and cooked some spaghetti.
Most people use a jar of B�chamel sauce, but I even decided to make my own, and after about half an hour I was then ready to layer all the ingredients into a dish and bake.
Now for the taste test. It was nice, but of course it’s going to be. Pasta, beef ragu and cheese is a pairing that’s been around for centuries – but what is the point?
If I want spaghetti, I’ll make a Bolognese, and if I want baked pasta, I’ll make a Lasagne. I’m all for being innovative, but this one just felt like a pointless mixture of the two.
The combination didn’t add any extra wow factor, and it was a lot of work for no reason. I would have been just as happy with the Rag� and pasta.
Try this viral pasta instead
Sorry TikTok, Baked Spaghetti is a no from me, but I am a fan of another oven pasta recipe, Baked Feta Pasta.
I’ve been making the dish for years now, ever since it went viral during lockdown, and it’s become a regular dinner option in my home.
The simple dish involves putting a block of feta cheese and some cherry tomatoes in the oven and baking until soft and creamy.
You then mix it all together to make a cheesy, tomato sauce that you can stir into pasta for a quick but super yummy meal.
