How to Make Tik Tok Spaghetti
How to Make Tik Tok Spaghetti is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 1325 calories per serving. Recipe by LG USA on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 52 min | Total: 2 hrs 37 min
Cost: $42.21 total, $10.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, broken into small pieces)
- 0.5 lb Hot Italian Sausage (Removed from casings)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin preferred)
- 2 medium Carrots (Diced)
- 2 stalks Celery Stalks (Diced)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Divided – half for sauce, half for cheese mixture)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (Concentrated)
- 0.5 cup White Wine (Dry, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 28 oz Pomodoro Tomatoes (Canned crushed tomatoes)
- 12 oz Spaghetti (Dry, broken into pieces for easier mixing)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (Softened)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated)
- 0.5 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 large Whole Eggs
- 0.5 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
- 2 cups Provolone Cheese (Shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (Additional for topping, grated)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
Instructions
Prep the vegetables and measure ingredients
Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small uniform pieces. Measure out all spices, cheeses, liquids and set them within easy reach.
Time: PT10M
Brown the meat
Heat the large braising pan over medium‑high, add olive oil, then add ground beef and hot Italian sausage. Break up with a spatula and brown on all sides until no longer pink.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté the vegetables
Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pan with the meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Season and add tomato paste
Stir in salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ½ tsp dried oregano. Add tomato paste and cook for about 1‑2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Deglaze with white wine
Pour in the white wine, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Reduce the wine by half, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Simmer the Bolognese
Add the canned Pomodoro tomatoes, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30‑35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: low
Cook the spaghetti al dente
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes or until just al dente. Drain in a colander.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: boiling
Make the creamy cheese sauce
In a mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, ricotta, chopped oregano, whole eggs, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Combine half the pasta with cream sauce
Transfer half of the cooked spaghetti into the cheese‑cream mixture. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Add remaining pasta to the Bolognese pan
Return the remaining spaghetti to the braising pan containing the simmering Bolognese. Stir to distribute evenly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Preheat the oven (convection bake)
Set the oven to convection bake at 425°F (220°C) and allow it to preheat fully, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Assemble the layered casserole
In an oven‑safe baking dish, spread 2 cups of the Bolognese mixture to coat the bottom. Sprinkle a layer of provolone cheese, then add the creamy cheese‑coated spaghetti. Top with the remaining Bolognese, followed by mozzarella, provolone, the extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Time: PT5M
Bake until golden and bubbly
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is deeply browned and the center is bubbling.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 425°F
Rest before serving
Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set, then serve hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 1325
- Protein
- 70g
- Carbohydrates
- 100g
- Fat
- 80g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, High protein, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Hot Italian Sausage: Mild Italian sausage, Chorizo
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato purée
- Instead of White Wine: Chicken broth, Apple cider
- Instead of Pomodoro Tomatoes: San Marzano whole tomatoes, crushed
- Instead of Spaghetti: Fettuccine, Linguine
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese
- Instead of Whole Eggs: Egg substitute
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk (for less richness)
- Instead of Provolone Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Low‑moisture mozzarella
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried basil and oregano blend
Equipment Needed
- Large Braising Pan
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Large Pot for Boiling Pasta
- Colander
- Oven‑Safe Baking Dish
- Grater
- Whisk
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the meat to develop flavor
- Reducing the white wine to concentrate acidity
- Simmering the Bolognese for full flavor development
- Cooking spaghetti al dente to avoid mushiness
- Mixing the cream cheese sauce without curdling
- Layering the casserole evenly before baking
- Baking until the cheese is golden and the center is bubbling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of ground beef and hot Italian sausage for depth and a subtle spice kick
- Deglaze the pan with wine early to lift caramelized bits for richer flavor
- For an extra creamy texture, substitute half of the ricotta with mascarpone
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick during simmering
Add a splash of reserved pasta water or low‑sodium broth to loosen.
Cream cheese mixture curdles when combined with hot pasta
Make sure the cheese mixture is at room temperature and add the pasta gradually while stirring continuously.
Top cheese does not brown enough
Broil for 2‑3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Bolognese tastes bland
Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly
Make-Ahead Tips
- The Bolognese sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated
- The creamy cheese sauce can be mixed ahead and kept chilled; give it a quick whisk before using
- Cook the spaghetti al dente, cool, and store in the fridge; reheat briefly before assembling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Tick Tock Spaghetti in Italian‑American cuisine?
Tick Tock Spaghetti is a modern American twist on classic Italian baked pasta dishes, inspired by the viral "Million Dollar Spaghetti" trend that blends creamy cheese layers with a meat‑rich Bolognese, reflecting the comfort‑food culture of Italian‑American households.
What are the traditional regional variations of baked spaghetti in Italy?
In Italy, baked pasta such as "pasta al forno" varies by region—southern versions often use ricotta and mozzarella, while northern recipes may incorporate béchamel and pork ragù. Tick Tock Spaghetti adds a double‑layered cheese concept not typical in traditional Italian cooking.
How is Tick Tock Spaghetti traditionally served in Italian‑American families?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, cut into squares, and paired with a simple green salad and crusty bread, making it a family‑style main course for dinner or weekend gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is Tick Tock Spaghetti associated with in American culture?
Because of its indulgent nature, Tick Tock Spaghetti is popular for casual celebrations like game nights, pot‑luck gatherings, and weekend family meals, often featured in social media food challenges.
What makes Tick Tock Spaghetti special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
Its signature "tick‑tock" layering—creamy cheese‑coated pasta at the bottom and a robust Bolognese on top—creates contrasting textures and flavors, delivering both comfort and a visual wow factor that sets it apart from standard baked pastas.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tick Tock Spaghetti at home?
Common errors include overcooking the spaghetti (it becomes mushy), not browning the meat fully (loss of flavor), allowing the cream cheese sauce to overheat (causing curdling), and under‑baking the top cheese (resulting in a pale, soggy crust).
Why does this Tick Tock Spaghetti recipe use white wine for deglazing instead of broth?
White wine adds acidity and depth that balances the richness of the meat and cheese, while broth would add extra salt and lack the bright flavor that helps the sauce develop a more complex profile.
Can I make Tick Tock Spaghetti ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes—you can prepare the Bolognese and creamy cheese sauce up to two days ahead, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble the casserole just before baking. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated or up to 2 months frozen.
What texture and appearance should I look for when Tick Tock Spaghetti is done cooking?
The top should be a deep golden‑brown, bubbling crust with melted mozzarella and provolone, while the interior layers should be creamy and the meat sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta without pooling.
What does the YouTube channel LG USA specialize in?
The YouTube channel LG USA focuses on showcasing LG home appliances through practical cooking demonstrations, highlighting how the brand’s products like ovens, cooktops, and smart kitchen tech can simplify everyday recipes.
How does the YouTube channel LG USA's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
LG USA integrates product features—such as convection bake settings and precise temperature control—into the recipe narrative, emphasizing appliance performance rather than just culinary technique, which sets it apart from channels that focus solely on cooking methods.
What other Italian‑American recipes is the YouTube channel LG USA known for?
LG USA has featured recipes like Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Classic Lasagna, and Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, all demonstrating the capabilities of LG ovens and cooktops for rich, family‑style meals.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
