Name: Baked Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti noodles; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination); 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce; 1 cup crushed tomatoes (optional); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt (to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 oz cream cheese, ricotta, or sour cream (optional); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Spaghetti is everything you love about traditional spaghetti—but baked into a rich, casserole-style dish. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, the top gets bubbly and golden, and it slices cleanly for easy serving. It’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping for a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti noodles
Ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Marinara or spaghetti sauce
Crushed tomatoes (optional for extra sauce)
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Cream cheese, ricotta, or sour cream (optional for creaminess)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil (optional garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with a portion of the meat sauce and optional cream cheese, ricotta, or sour cream for added creaminess.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the spaghetti mixture into the dish, followed by half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat with remaining spaghetti and sauce mixture, then top with the remaining cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Cheesy deluxe: Add cottage cheese or a layer of ricotta in the middle for a lasagna-style texture.
Low-carb: Substitute spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for traditional pasta.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on sauces and seasonings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
To freeze, assemble the baked spaghetti but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Absolutely. Use your favorite store-bought marinara or spaghetti sauce to save time.

What type of cheese is best?

Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for flavor. Add ricotta or cream cheese for creaminess if desired.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or linguine also work well.

How do I keep baked spaghetti from drying out?

Don’t overcook it and make sure your sauce is slightly generous. Covering with foil for part of the baking time helps retain moisture.

Can I make it in individual portions?

Yes, use ramekins or mini foil pans for single servings—perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes.

Is baked spaghetti like lasagna?

It has similar layers and ingredients, but uses spaghetti instead of lasagna noodles and is typically quicker to make.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese and skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Should I rinse the pasta?

No, rinsing removes starch that helps the sauce cling. Just drain well and mix with the sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, baked and cooled spaghetti freezes well. Store in airtight containers and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti is a warm, comforting dish that brings all the flavor of classic spaghetti with the added bonus of cheesy, oven-baked goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just want a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers big on taste, simplicity, and satisfaction. Serve it with garlic bread and a salad, and you’ve got the perfect meal.

Baked Spaghetti

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Baked Spaghetti is a comforting casserole-style pasta dish layered with spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a family, prepping ahead, or serving at gatherings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss cooked spaghetti with a portion of the meat sauce and optional cream cheese or ricotta for creaminess.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Use a mix of beef and sausage for richer flavor.
Ricotta or cream cheese adds a creamy lasagna-style texture.
For vegetarian, replace meat with mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
Pair with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg