This baked spaghetti recipe transforms your regular pasta night into something special. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest.
I discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something filling for my family. The beauty of baked spaghetti is that it feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked spaghetti offers the perfect solution for busy families. It’s essentially a deconstructed lasagna but much easier to make. The pasta absorbs all the flavors while baking, creating a cohesive dish that’s satisfying and delicious.
The three-cheese blend creates an irresistible golden top that everyone fights over. My kids always ask for seconds, and I love that it uses simple ingredients I already have in my pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pasta and meat sauce:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Position the rack in the top third of the oven for optimal browning.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. This prevents overcooking during baking. Drain and place in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and oregano. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add oil if needed. The beef should release enough fat to cook the onion. If using very lean beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Add minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it warm through. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together until well coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer the cheese properly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan first, then add the mozzarella and cheddar on top. This layering creates the best cheese distribution.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. For extra golden color, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes cutting easier.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
For freezer storage, assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
When baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake until heated through, then broil the cheese. Let frozen dishes warm slightly at room temperature before placing in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Cut the baked spaghetti into squares using a spatula. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Pair it with garlic bread for a classic combination. A simple Caesar salad adds freshness that balances the rich, cheesy pasta.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli make excellent sides. The key is adding something light to complement the hearty main dish.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave in a covered container or in a covered saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems dry.
Recipe Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavors. A 50-50 mix of beef and sausage creates interesting depth.
- Add fresh spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition. Stir it in when you add the marinara sauce.
- For cheese lovers, use all mozzarella or all cheddar instead of the blend. Both work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This baked spaghetti recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a satisfying meal that brings families together.
The combination of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and melted cheese creates something special. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular rotation in your kitchen.
Try this recipe for your next family dinner or potluck. The golden, bubbly cheese top and rich flavors underneath will make it an instant favorite.
Easy Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Position the rack in the top third of the oven for optimal browning.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. This prevents overcooking during baking. Drain and place in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and oregano. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add oil if needed. The beef should release enough fat to cook the onion. If using very lean beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Add minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it warm through. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together until well coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer the cheese properly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan first, then add the mozzarella and cheddar on top. This layering creates the best cheese distribution.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. For extra golden color, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes cutting easier.