Nanna’s Baked Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food that everyone enjoys
• Easy to prepare with pantry staples
• Layers of savory meat sauce, pasta, and cheese
• Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers
• Budget-friendly and filling
• Can be made ahead and baked later
• Freezer-friendly for future meals
• Customizable with your favorite pasta or sauce
• Great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings
• Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly

Ingredients

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

• Spaghetti noodles
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Eggs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the pasta sauce or crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese until well coated.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish.
7. Top with half of the meat sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor
• Swap spaghetti with other pasta like penne or rigatoni
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage
• Use ricotta or cottage cheese in between layers for a lasagna-style twist
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. To freeze, wrap the entire dish tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold.

What kind of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but other sturdy pasta like linguine, penne, or ziti also work well.

Do I have to use eggs in the pasta layer?

Eggs help bind the pasta and give it structure, but you can skip them if you prefer a looser texture.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

Yes, baked spaghetti freezes very well. Wrap tightly and freeze either before or after baking.

What cheese should I use?

Mozzarella for melty topping, and Parmesan for added flavor. You can also mix in cheddar or provolone.

How do I prevent it from drying out?

Cover with foil during most of the baking time, and don’t overcook. Adding a bit of extra sauce can also help.

Is it okay to use jarred pasta sauce?

Absolutely. Jarred sauce is a time-saver and works great in this recipe.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or peppers are great additions. Sauté them with the meat or separately.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It keeps well for 3–4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

What can I serve with baked spaghetti?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Nanna’s Baked Spaghetti is a timeless, satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With simple ingredients and rich, familiar flavors, it’s a dish that generations can enjoy together. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting loved ones, this baked classic always delivers.

Nanna’s Baked Spaghetti

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Nanna’s Baked Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy casserole layered with pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella. It’s a family favorite perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese until well coated.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish.
7. Top with half of the meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, sauce, and mozzarella.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use both ground beef and sausage for extra flavor.
• Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce.
• Use ricotta or cottage cheese between layers for a lasagna-style twist.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (1/10 of dish)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg