Copycat K&W Cafeteria Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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#74915

K&W is a popular cafeteria in the southeast and is known for its delicious baked spaghetti. This copycat version is made with ground beef, pasta, ketchup, beef stock, lots of seasonings, and two types of cheese.

serves/makes:

ready in:

30-60 minutes

32 reviews
4 comments

ingredients

6 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onions
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
3/4 cup beef stock
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onions and cook, stirring, until the beef is browned and broken up. Drain off any excess grease.

Add the salt, pepper, chili powder, 1/4 cup of the Cheddar cheese, the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard to the ground beef. Mix well and simmer the beef mixture for 5 minutes.

Stir in the beef stock and the cooked pasta. Mix well.

Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Top the pasta with the remaining Cheddar cheese and the shredded Mozzarella.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Serve the K&W style baked spaghetti hot.

recipe tips

Add minced garlic to the beef and onion mixture for added flavor.

Try using half ground beef and half Italian sausage.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a small amount of cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture before baking.

To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, cook it until just al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Try different cheese blends for varied flavors, like adding some Parmesan or Gouda.

Let the baked spaghetti sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven for easier serving.

To make it healthier, use whole wheat spaghetti and lean ground turkey.

common recipe questions

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, but the texture and cooking time might vary slightly.

Can I use something other than ground beef?

You can substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, ground turkey or chicken, lentils, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

To make it less spicy, reduce or omit the chili powder, but it's not really spicy at all.

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?

If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer for a longer time to reduce or add a small amount of tomato paste to thicken.

How long does this baked spaghetti last in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, it freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight then reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I use a different pasta?

You can use elbow macaroni, rotini, fettuccine, ziti, penne, etc. Really most pasta shapes will work in this recipe.

nutrition data

744 calories, 42 grams fat, 58 grams carbohydrates, 35 grams protein per serving.

more recipes like k&w cafeteria baked spaghetti

GROUND BEEF AND CHEESE PIE WITH SPAGHETTI CRUST

reviews & comments

mary014 REVIEW:
February 26, 2021

It was ok. I did everything exactly as the recipe called for but it was way too sweet, almost like a dessert. I will keep modifying til it tastes better. Possibly too much ketchup and not enough real tomato sauce
KWMANAGER REVIEW:
February 1, 2021

Worked for K&W for years recipe is on spot we used Hunt's ketchup tried it at home with a no name ketchup was not the same. Taste better when you make let set for a few hours or overnight
Cheri REVIEW:
September 8, 2019

I made this 3 weeks ago, and it was a huge hit with the family! Yay! I made it again this past week, and again, rave reviews. Each time I doubled the recipe, as I have "big eaters" in the household. I did reduce the vinegar by a TBS and added a bit more sugar and an additional 1/4 cup of water. My family asked to keep the recipe on a frequent rotation! Thanks so much for a wonderful rendition of K&W's Baked Spaghetti!
Sherry REVIEW:
July 15, 2019

delish! tastes just like K & W !!!
Debbie REVIEW:
April 28, 2019

I had this from the restaurant yesterday and thought i tasted coumin! No? Glad to have this recipe!
Fix REVIEW:
December 16, 2018

I made this for my boyfriend because K@W spaghetti is his favorite. He said it was SPOT ON. He is now sending it to all of his relatives!
Darlene REVIEW:
November 13, 2018

I've made this for years now,and also changed around the portion sizes, but make it exactly like recipe calls for.. Example, I put more noodles one time and it was not enough sauce then.. I use a 9x13 glass pan..Also if you try and change things, it make to much for the 9x13...I eat K and W's spaghetti a lot, and this pretty much nails it right on the head....Yummy
Guest REVIEW:
June 4, 2018

Loved this recipe !!! Although nothing can beat K&Wâs baked spaghetti ... but this was mighty close !! Amazing taste and texture
Sal guest REVIEW:
January 30, 2017

Once I moved from N.C. I found myself craving this the most out of everything (even the barbecue). Have had this recipe for years now. I use onion powder, instead of real onions - seems like it would come out too wet. Otherwise pretty much right on - however I do recall growing up them having pepperoni on the top. Sometimes I use it, and sometimes skip - but great either way.
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Anonymous REVIEW:
December 20, 2016

It's been years since I ate at K&W but this tastes pretty much like I remember it. Always a favorite.
kimball REVIEW:
October 29, 2016

We absolutely love this recipe!! I make it constantly because it's not only delicious but it's easy.
Kiki03 February 20, 2016

What size baking dish should be used?
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  I believe the one we made it in was either 2 or 2 1/2 qt size.
Peggy O. REVIEW:
October 1, 2015

This k&W spaghetti recipe is very good! I have made it on several occasions. Everyone loves it!! It's so amazing!! I'm making it this weekend!
sk REVIEW:
October 26, 2014

Made this last night. We love K&W's version and this one was delicious. The entire family enjoyed it.
KellyDreams September 10, 2014

I googled a recipe for K&W Spaghetti because I wanted to make it using gluten-free pasta. I'm kind of shocked that it doesn't have spaghetti sauce in it! After reading the comments, it seems pretty clear that the specific brand of ketchup used really does change the flavor. Any advice about that?
i95guy REVIEW:
September 8, 2014

Made this plenty of times, it's great, plus it freezes good and microwaves good. I have also made with just useing Manwich, beef and cheddar.
Jules REVIEW:
September 2, 2014

Loved this recipe,is an exact copy of K&W. I do add 1/2 diced green pepper to the mix, perfection!
K&W Fan REVIEW:
June 21, 2014

The amount of ketchup was a red flag to me so I cut that amount in half and used tomato sauce for the rest and a little less beef stock just so it had the right consistency. Ketchup just is too tart to be used in that quantity for this recipe (maybe cheaper brands aren't as tart? I don't know what kind twbart72 used). With those modifications this recipe is perfect.
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
March 20, 2014

This recipe had too much catsup in it.. I added sugar to tame the tanginess but it did not help. will not make again
Mandy REVIEW:
February 2, 2014

Love it! 2nd time making it and this time I doubled everything and instead of 6oz pasta doubling to 12 I used a 16oz package and it was awesome and went further. Will be making our spaghetti this way from now on. I don't measure the onions and cheese and just estimate instead but everything else I measure
suzi REVIEW:
October 31, 2013

Very good. I was out of chili powder so I used some taco seasoning instead.
Charity REVIEW:
September 4, 2013

Just made this tonight let me tell you it is AMAZING truly tastes just like K&W. THANK YOU!
WTW REVIEW:
June 30, 2013

ABsolutely just like K&W! This has to be the original recipe because it is exactly like I remember.
Alishan823 April 20, 2013

Can anyone help me? The 3/4 cup beef stock, am I suppose to put that in the mixture dry?
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  I'm not sure what you mean by "dry". You pour the beef stock into the meat mixture at the same time you add the spaghetti. This is the liquid that will cook the spaghetti (there is no real quantity of liquid added up until this point).
ASD REVIEW:
February 27, 2012

I used to live in Winston-Salem and ate K&W spaghetti often. This recipe is spot on! Absolutely delicious.
Super Chunk REVIEW:
January 24, 2012

Made this last night, not knowing what "K&W' is I can't compare. Over all I liked the dish, the ketchup made it slightly too sweet for my taste but a few shakes of season salt tamed that. It is a good platform to start experimenting from if you're into that. Next time, more chili powder, garlic and a couple of beaten eggs are going in with along with some riccota and a 1/4 cup less ketchup. Been in the fridge over night, I'm sure it'll be even better today.
Court REVIEW:
September 21, 2011

It really does taste like K&W! My husband and I had seconds. This one is a keeper for sure.
Madison REVIEW:
August 20, 2011

This was absolutely phenomenal! It tastes JUST like K&W's baked spaghetti!! I was so excited when I tasted it and tasted just how good it was. I HIGHLY recommend this recipe!!!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!
Crystal REVIEW:
October 27, 2010

This receipe was very good! It's taste very close to the receipe at K & W, I do add just a little more ketchup to mine, but it is a must try!!!
lolit REVIEW:
April 28, 2010

made this recipe last night, didn't have chili powder but the taste was GREAT!
Ins Agent1 REVIEW:
August 15, 2009

This was wondeful & tasted just like K&W! I will be making again!
Fred REVIEW:
March 24, 2009

Excellent!! Very close to the version sold at K&W.
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
January 9, 2009

This recipe has been a big hit for my family and my children's friends. I have given the recipe to several parents and friends. WOW it's great
Becky REVIEW:
October 14, 2008

Is VERY close to K & W'sWould make again for sure
mary;l REVIEW:
July 30, 2008

excellent - very different and I think better than k&W!!

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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Copycat K&W Cafeteria Baked Spaghetti Recipe | CDKitchen (2024)