Print

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.

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)

Instructions

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/baked-spaghetti/