If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly dinner, this baked spaghetti recipe is the perfect solution. Imagine layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s everything you love about traditional spaghetti but with a delicious, oven-baked twist that turns an ordinary pasta night into something special.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or when you need to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish that reheats beautifully — making it an excellent choice for meal prep or potlucks.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and pro tips so you can make the best baked spaghetti recipe right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful — it’s the ultimate cozy dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in the morning and bake later.
- Customizable: Add veggies, use different cheeses, or make it vegetarian.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious baked spaghetti recipe:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta Layer:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your baked spaghetti recipe:
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain, then toss with butter, beaten eggs, and Parmesan cheese. This creates a delicious base layer that holds together when baked.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
3. Layer the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
- Half of the spaghetti mixture
- Half of the meat sauce
- Dollops of ricotta cheese
- Half of the mozzarella cheese
Repeat the layers with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, ricotta, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Let the baked spaghetti cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Since it bakes in the oven, slightly undercook spaghetti to avoid mushiness.
- Use Quality Sauce: A good marinara sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce makes a big difference.
- Add Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the meat for extra nutrition.
- Make it Cheesy: Feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or fontina for a richer flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations of Baked Spaghetti Recipe
This dish is versatile! Here are some tasty variations:
- Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti: Skip the meat and add more vegetables or use plant-based crumbles.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
- White Baked Spaghetti: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy, indulgent twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and check your sauce for gluten-free certification.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This baked spaghetti recipe is a dream for meal prep:
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze: Assemble, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding an extra 20-25 minutes to cooking time.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti
Pair your baked spaghetti with:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
- Caesar Salad or Garden Salad – Adds freshness to balance the richness
- Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini work great
Nutritional Information (Approximation per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
(This will vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes you use.)
Final Thoughts
This baked spaghetti recipe is everything you love about spaghetti night but with a cheesy, oven-baked upgrade that turns it into a true comfort food classic. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and makes enough to feed a hungry family.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to favorites!