Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there are nights when nothing but a warm, cheesy pasta bake will do. This easy baked spaghetti hits all the right notes: tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and a golden, bubbling cheese topping. It’s comforting, hearty, and satisfying—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast in my house. Plus, it’s a cinch to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you try it, I think it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners, too!

this RECIPE

A family favorite with a twist

I remember the first time I made this baked spaghetti recipe. I was home from college, craving something nostalgic but with a little more “oomph” than traditional spaghetti. My mom had always made simple pasta dishes, but I wanted to experiment a bit. So, I layered the pasta with marinara, threw in a hefty sprinkle of cheese, and baked it until it was bubbly and golden. When I pulled it out of the oven, the smell alone had my family flocking to the kitchen. Since then, this dish has become a staple in our family—one of those comforting meals we make whenever we’re in need of a little extra coziness.

A little background on baked spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is one of those recipes that feels familiar yet has endless variations. Often compared to a lasagna without the hassle of layering, it’s popular in American kitchens for its simplicity and versatility. Traditionally, baked pasta dishes in Italy are called pasta al forno, where pasta is mixed with sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until warm and melty. But American versions, like this baked spaghetti, usually add ground beef and a mix of cheeses for an extra-hearty twist. This dish has become a weeknight hero for families everywhere because it’s easy to assemble and can be modified based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients that make this baked spaghetti shine

Let’s go over the main ingredients that make this baked spaghetti extra delicious, with a few tips on picking the best ones:

• Spaghetti: The base of our dish! You’ll want to cook it just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package suggests) since it will finish cooking in the oven. If you’re out of spaghetti, any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works too.
• Ground beef: I use lean ground beef for this recipe to keep it a bit lighter, but you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to season well, as these meats tend to be milder in flavor.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics add depth to the sauce. For a bolder flavor, go with yellow or white onion, and don’t skimp on the garlic—four cloves make it nice and garlicky!
• Marinara sauce: This is the foundation of our sauce, so pick one you love. A good-quality jarred marinara saves time without sacrificing flavor, but you can always make your own if you have the time.
• Cheese trio (mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan): The cheese is what sets this dish apart. Mozzarella gives you that classic gooey texture, cheddar adds a sharpness, and Parmesan provides a salty kick. If you need to substitute, try gouda instead of cheddar or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a bit of extra bite.

Kitchen gear: keeping it simple

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe—just some reliable basics:

• 9×13 baking dish: Essential for evenly baking the spaghetti and holding all those delicious layers together.
• Large skillet: For browning the meat and making the sauce. A nonstick skillet works well, but if you’re using a stainless steel pan, be sure to keep an eye on it so nothing sticks.
• Pot for pasta: A large pot to cook your pasta. Adding plenty of salt to the water enhances the flavor of the pasta, so don’t skip this step.
• Cheese grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes fresher. I highly recommend grating your own, especially for the Parmesan.

Step-by-step: Making the best baked spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Start by boiling a pot of well-salted water. Cook the spaghetti for about two minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures it won’t get too soft in the oven. Drain it and place it in your baking dish.

Step 2: Make the meat sauce

While the pasta cooks, grab your skillet. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and seasonings (oregano and red pepper flakes) over medium-high heat. If your beef is particularly lean, add a splash of olive oil. Cook until the beef browns and the onion is soft, about 10 minutes.

Once browned, add the garlic and cook for another minute (you’ll know it’s ready when it’s fragrant). Then pour in your marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Combine and layer

Pour the beefy marinara sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss it gently to coat the noodles. Smooth the mixture out into an even layer for easy topping.

Step 4: Cheese it up

Now comes the fun part—cheese! Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly across the top. If you want a golden crust, don’t be afraid to pile it on.

Step 5: Bake and broil

Pop the dish into your preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. If you love that crispy, slightly browned cheese layer, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! Once done, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to firm up before serving.

Delicious variations to try

• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and load up on veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini make great additions. You could also add a layer of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
• Spicy sausage twist: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference). It adds a whole new level of flavor with minimal effort.
• Low-carb alternative: Substitute spaghetti with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. You’ll get that baked spaghetti feel with fewer carbs.
• Mexican-inspired: Mix in some taco seasoning with the beef, use salsa instead of marinara, and top with a blend of cheddar and pepper jack. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for a fun twist!

Serving suggestions: Make it feel special

Serve this baked spaghetti family-style, right from the baking dish—it’s casual and cozy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for color. For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is a must for soaking up any leftover sauce, and a simple roasted vegetable, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, makes for a well-rounded meal.

Wine and drink pairings

This hearty dish pairs well with a full-bodied red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or even a Malbec. If you’re in the mood for a white, try a buttery Chardonnay. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a classic Italian soda would be refreshing alongside the richness of the pasta.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through. You may want to add a touch more sauce or a sprinkle of fresh cheese to revive it.

Scaling the recipe for more (or fewer) servings

This recipe serves about 6, but if you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones. For a smaller household, you can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 dish. Just keep an eye on the bake time—it may need a little less time in the oven when scaled down.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add the cheese right before baking to keep it fresh.

2. Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

3. What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Fontina, gouda, or provolone would be delicious.

4. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free spaghetti and double-check your marinara sauce for any hidden gluten ingredients.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! Penne, rigatoni, or even shells work well in this baked dish. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

This easy baked spaghetti is the kind of recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked! Customize it to fit your cravings, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite. Happy cooking!

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