If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that blends comforting flavors with effortless prep, this Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Picture tender spaghetti noodles mingling with a rich, savory meat sauce, all covered in gooey layers of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses that bake to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate cozy casserole that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress family or friends without any fuss. Let me show you how to bring this delicious dish to life with just a handful of everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding flavor, texture, or color. The combination is simple yet so satisfying that it turns a basic spaghetti dinner into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti: The perfect base for soaking up all that meaty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds heartiness and a rich, savory flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Italian aromas.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick that wakes up the palette without overpowering.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that unmistakable garlic punch that every good pasta sauce needs.
- 4 cups marinara sauce: The heart of the dish—rich tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that delightful stretchy cheese experience.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Adds a sharp, tangy edge and vibrant color appeal.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty finish that elevates the whole casserole.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green for presentation.
How to Make Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and positioning the oven rack in the upper third. This setup ensures your cheese topping will brown nicely without burning too quickly. A perfectly preheated oven is key to a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti just shy of al dente — about 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This short cooking time keeps the noodles firm enough to hold up through baking without turning mushy. Then drain the spaghetti and transfer it into a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. The beef should release enough fat to gently cook the onion, but if it’s very lean, feel free to add a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned through and the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully spoon most of it out to keep the dish flavorful but not greasy.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Marinara Sauce
Stir the minced garlic into the beef mixture and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the marinara sauce and allow it to warm through for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This sauce is the soul of the recipe, rich with the essence of garlic, herbs, and well-seasoned beef.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Pour the hot beef and marinara sauce over the drained spaghetti in your baking dish. Toss gently to coat every strand with that luscious sauce. Then smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer, setting the stage for the cheesy bake ahead.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan evenly over the top of the sauced spaghetti. Pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. If you want a beautifully browned crust, switch to broil for a couple of minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving — this resting step helps everything set perfectly for neat slices.
How to Serve Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is my favorite way to add a bright touch right before serving. It gives the dish a hint of color and a mild peppery freshness that balances the rich cheese and sauce perfectly. If you like, you can also add a pinch of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or warm breadsticks are classics that soak up the remaining sauce on your plate, making the meal even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe straight from the casserole for a cozy family-style dinner, or cut it into neat squares and plate individually for a more elegant presentation. For a fun twist, add a dollop of ricotta or a spoonful of pesto on top of each serving to surprise your guests with another layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your baked spaghetti cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches that taste even better warmed up.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for longer storage. Cover the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then place it in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then uncover it at the end to refresh the cheese topping. This method helps maintain the casserole’s creamy, cheesy texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is still firm before baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the veggie content without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming it. If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit them entirely with great results.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble it a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and cheese melting.
What’s the best way to achieve a crispy cheese topping?
Broiling the baked spaghetti for a couple of minutes after baking is the secret. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and watch carefully to get a golden brown, bubbly crust without burning the cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd without fuss. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s quickly become a beloved classic in my kitchen. Go ahead and dive in—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting casserole is perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to prepare for baking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for two minutes less than the package instructions, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Drain well and transfer the pasta to a 9×13 inch casserole or baking dish.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. If your beef is particularly lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help cook the onion. Brown the meat and cook the onion for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic and Marinara: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it warm through for a few minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the casserole dish. Toss gently to ensure all the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce, then smooth the mixture into an even layer.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and freshly grated parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, switch to broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares using a spatula and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta slightly underdone ensures it won’t become mushy after baking.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- You can use any combination of Italian seasoning or dried oregano based on what you prefer.
- Browning the cheese with the broil setting adds a nice texture but requires close attention to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
