Baked Spaghetti (Best Ever, Easy, Cheesy)

This Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate cozy casserole. You get saucy spaghetti noodles, a hearty meat sauce, and a thick layer of melty cheese that turns golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, and making sure you have the best leftovers.

Introduction

If your family loves spaghetti night, turning it into Baked Spaghetti is a game-changer. It feels extra special (hello, cheesy baked top!), but it’s still super easy. This is one of those reader-favorite dinners where everyone asks for seconds.

The standout trick is mixing a little cheese into the noodles before baking. That keeps the spaghetti from drying out and makes every bite creamy and comforting. Once you try this Baked Spaghetti, plain spaghetti might feel a little boring.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti

• Ultimate comfort food: Saucy pasta and gooey cheese is pure cozy.
• Better than restaurant: Fresh-baked casserole with bubbly cheese top.
• Easy weeknight dinner: Simple ingredients and hands-off baking.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat like a dream.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti

Pasta

• Spaghetti (12 oz): Classic noodle for this casserole.
• Swap: Thin spaghetti or linguine.

Meat Sauce

• Ground beef (1 lb): Hearty flavor that makes it filling.
• Swap: Ground turkey.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Builds flavor.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds cozy depth.
• Marinara sauce (24 oz): Quick and easy sauce base.
• Tip: Use your favorite jar for a “better than takeout” taste.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds herby flavor.
• Salt (1 tsp) + black pepper (1/2 tsp): Season to taste.

Creamy Layer

• Ricotta or cottage cheese (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps the pasta stay moist.
• Swap: 1/2 cup sour cream for a tangy twist.

Cheese Topping

• Shredded mozzarella (2 cups): Gooey melty top.
• Tip: Freshly shredded melts smoother than pre-shredded.
• Grated parmesan-style topping (1/3 cup): Adds salty, savory finish.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

• 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• 2. Boil spaghetti in salted water until just tender, then drain.
• 3. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
• 4. Simmer marinara with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for 5 minutes to build flavor.
• 5. Mix cooked spaghetti with ricotta (or cottage cheese) and about 1 cup of the sauce. Spread into the baking dish.
• 6. Top with remaining sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan-style topping evenly.
• 7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. If it looks too dry, spoon a little extra warm marinara over the top.

Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti

• Don’t overcook the pasta: It will soften more in the oven.
• Mix cheese into noodles: Keeps everything moist and creamy.
• Rest before slicing: Helps it hold together like a casserole.
• Shred your own cheese: Melts smoother and tastes fresher.
• Add sauce if needed: Pasta can soak up extra sauce while baking.

Variations & Substitutions

• Extra veggie: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Three-cheese: Add provolone slices under the mozzarella.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and watch cook time.
• Leftover idea: Stuff into a tortilla, add cheese, and toast for a quick wrap.

Make-Ahead & Freezing

Store Baked Spaghetti in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot.
To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
• Pair with roasted broccoli or green beans.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
• Great for meal prep lunches all week.

Reader Review: “This baked spaghetti is so cheesy and comforting! My kids asked for it two nights in a row.”

If you make this Baked Spaghetti, leave a rating and comment! Are you adding extra cheese, or keeping it classic?

Baked Spaghetti (Best Ever, Easy, Cheesy)

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• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This baked spaghetti is cheesy, saucy, and family-friendly—an easy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 large egg

• 1/3 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook spaghetti until just al dente; drain.

3. Brown meat with onion 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic 30 seconds. Stir in marinara, seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. In a bowl, whisk egg and sour cream; toss with drained spaghetti.

5. Layer: half spaghetti, half meat sauce, mozzarella, repeat. Top with Parmesan.

6. Bake 25 minutes (cover with foil if browning too fast). Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 10 minutes bake time.

• Swap: Use cottage cheese in place of sour cream.

• Tools: 9×13-inch dish, skillet.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian