There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that feels like a warm hug. This Baked Spaghetti is precisely that. Imagine tender strands of pasta enveloped in a rich, savory meat sauce. It’s topped with a glorious, bubbly blanket of three perfectly melted cheeses. This classic brings simple ingredients together. It creates a truly satisfying meal. It’s perfect for any night of the week.
This favorite Baked Spaghetti recipe has become a true staple. It’s ideal when you need something hearty yet easily delicious. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles all around. Leftovers are always a welcome treat the next day. This makes busy weeknights feel so much simpler.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this Baked Spaghetti is a winner in my book!
- Effortless Assembly: Seriously, the prep is minimal. This means more time for you.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s always a hit. Picky eaters and grown-ups alike adore it.
- Flavorful & Filling: This dish is hearty. It truly satisfies those comfort food cravings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Busy nights are no match. Bake it whenever you’re ready!
Baked Spaghetti Ingredients
The magic of this Baked Spaghetti really shines through its simple, wholesome ingredients. They work together to create something truly special. Each item has a vital role. It builds layers of flavor and comforting texture.
- Spaghetti: This is the foundation. It provides that satisfying pasta bite we all love.
- Ground Beef: It creates a hearty, savory base. This makes our rich meat sauce perfect.
- Onion & Garlic: These are essential aromatics. They build amazing depth and flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: A smooth, tangy binder. It pulls everything together beautifully.
- Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmesan Cheeses: This cheese trio is key. It creates a creamy, melty topping. It bakes to golden perfection too.
- Oregano/Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: These seasonings add warmth. They also offer a hint of spice.
You’ll find the exact quantities in the printable recipe card at the end. For fantastic Baked Spaghetti every time, these ingredients are your best friends.
Substitutions and Tips
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini instead. If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used. For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. These simple tweaks can create wonderful variations of your favorite pasta bake.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position an oven rack in the upper third. Get a large pot of salted water boiling. Cook the spaghetti until it’s just shy of al dente. This means about 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This trick ensures it won’t be mushy after baking. Drain the pasta well. Transfer it directly into your 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat. Do this until it’s fully browned. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Carefully spoon out most of the excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for a few minutes to warm through. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This simple sauce is the heart of our delicious baked spaghetti.
Step 3: Combine and Top
Pour the delicious meat sauce mixture directly over the drained spaghetti. It should be in the baking dish. Gently toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated. Spread the coated spaghetti into an even layer across the bottom. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. Finish with a final layer of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheesy topping is pure comfort.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. You want the sauce to be bubbling around the edges. For an extra touch of golden-brown deliciousness, you can carefully broil the Baked Spaghetti for a few minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning. Once out of the oven, let the pasta bake rest. Rest it for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the casserole set perfectly. It makes it easier to cut neat squares with a spatula. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti
Leftover Baked Spaghetti keeps well. Store it in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For freezing, let the dish cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, add a layer of aluminum foil. Or, just use a freezer-safe container. Frozen Baked Spaghetti stays good for up to 2-3 months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti initially; it will cook more in the oven.
- Drain excess fat from the meat for a cleaner flavor.
- Use good quality marinara sauce for the best taste.
- Broiling the cheese topping is optional, but it adds a lovely finish.
- Letting the Baked Spaghetti rest before serving makes it easier to cut.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Making this Baked Spaghetti is a breeze with just a few essentials. You likely have most of these already!
- A large pot is perfect for boiling the pasta to perfection.
- You’ll need a large skillet for cooking the delicious meat sauce.
- A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for assembly and baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy for all ingredients.
- A sturdy spatula is great for serving neat portions.
- Don’t forget a colander for draining that pasta!
Serving Suggestions
This comforting Baked Spaghetti is wonderful on its own. But it’s even better with a few simple pairings. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:
- A crisp green salad offers a refreshing contrast. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is always a favorite choice.
- A simple glass of red wine complements the savory sauce beautifully. Iced tea or a sparkling water also tastes great.
- Fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds a vibrant splash of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
- Have extra grated Parmesan cheese ready at the table! Some folks just love extra cheesy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Baked Spaghetti dish up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, it might need a few extra minutes. This is because it’s starting from a colder temperature.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
While spaghetti is the classic choice here, feel free to explore! Linguine or fettuccine work beautifully too. Even shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini are great options for this comforting pasta bake. Choose what you have on hand!
How can I make the cheese topping extra crispy?
For a wonderfully crisp cheese topping, be sure to bake the casserole uncovered. Another trick is to use the broil setting for the last minute or two. Just watch it very carefully to prevent any burning! Using cheeses with a higher fat content, like sharp cheddar, can also help achieve that delightful crispiness.
Print
Baked Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting baked spaghetti casserole featuring a rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and a generous blend of three cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta.
- Cook spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate.
- Once done, drain it and add it to a 9×13 casserole/baking dish.
- Meanwhile, add the beef, onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes to a skillet.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat has browned/cooked through (about 10 minutes).
- If there’s a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out.
- To the skillet, stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute.
- Then add in the marinara sauce and cook for a few more minutes until it’s warmed through.
- Stir in some salt & pepper as well.
- Pour the beef mixture over top of the spaghetti. Toss until everything is coated.
- Smooth it out into an even layer in the baking dish.
- Top with the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and sprinkle on the grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese if desired (watch it carefully).
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then serve by cutting it into squares using a spatula.
- Garnish with some chopped parsley if desired (optional).
Notes
- Baking uncovered allows the cheese to brown nicely.
- Broiling is optional but adds a lovely crispy texture to the cheese topping.
- Letting the baked spaghetti rest before serving helps it hold its shape when cut.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
