Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked spaghetti combines all the familiar flavors of traditional spaghetti with the satisfying heartiness of a casserole. This dish takes tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, and layers it with creamy cheese before baking it to golden perfection. The result is a warm, bubbly, and flavorful meal that is as comforting as it is filling. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, baked spaghetti is easy to prepare ahead of time and can feed a crowd without much effort. Its layered structure ensures that every bite has a balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese, making it a dish that appeals to both adults and children alike. Once baked, it becomes a cohesive, sliceable meal that can be served straight from the pan, making it both practical and delicious.
Baked Spaghetti Recipe – A Comforting Family Favorite
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A cheesy and comforting baked spaghetti casserole with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese — perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until meat is browned and onion is soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, half the meat sauce, dollops of ricotta (if using), and half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking for easy meal prep.
- Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Spaghetti
The foundation of the dish, spaghetti provides the classic pasta texture. Cooking it al dente ensures it holds up well during baking.
Ground Beef or Sausage
Protein adds hearty flavor to the sauce. Ground beef gives a rich, savory taste, while Italian sausage introduces a spiced, smoky element.
Onion
Onions create a flavorful base, adding sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the sauce with its aromatic kick, balancing the richness of the meat and tomatoes.
Tomato Sauce
A robust tomato sauce binds everything together, providing moisture and tangy flavor throughout the pasta layers.
Diced Tomatoes
These add texture and freshness to the sauce, making it more rustic and hearty.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme ensures the dish has authentic Italian-inspired flavor.
Eggs
Lightly beaten eggs are mixed into the pasta to help bind it together and create structure in the baked dish.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds sharp, nutty undertones that enhance the richness of the casserole.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melted mozzarella creates the gooey, stringy topping that makes baked spaghetti so irresistible.
Olive Oil
Used to sauté vegetables and meat, olive oil adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all the flavors.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly before stirring in the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat evenly. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings, ideal for families or gatherings. The total cooking time is approximately 50 minutes, with 20 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking.
Storage/reheating
Baked spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. For longer storage, freeze the baked spaghetti tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This versatile dish allows for many variations. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
For a spicier baked spaghetti, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also swap the spaghetti for whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Cheese lovers may enjoy mixing ricotta cheese into the pasta layers for extra creaminess. A topping of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan can be added before baking for a crunchy finish.
If you prefer a more robust sauce, add a splash of red wine during the simmering process. For freshness, garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving. With endless customization options, baked spaghetti can suit every taste and occasion.
FAQs
Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to use spaghetti noodles?
No, other pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well too.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How do I keep the spaghetti from drying out?
Make sure to use enough sauce and cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time.
Can I use jarred pasta sauce?
Yes, store-bought sauce works well, though homemade sauce offers more control over flavor.
Do the eggs make the pasta taste different?
No, eggs act as a binder and do not affect the flavor significantly.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, provolone, cheddar, or fontina can be used in addition to or instead of mozzarella.
How do I reheat leftovers without overcooking?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying.
What sides pair best with baked spaghetti?
Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
Is baked spaghetti the same as lasagna?
They are similar in concept but differ in pasta choice—lasagna uses flat sheets, while baked spaghetti uses long noodles.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti is a beloved comfort food that transforms everyday pasta into a hearty, family-style casserole. With its layers of tender pasta, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese, it delivers both nostalgia and satisfaction. Its versatility allows endless variations, ensuring it never becomes repetitive. Whether made for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a special family gathering, baked spaghetti is always a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared ahead and stored with ease. Once you try this recipe, it is sure to become a staple at your table.
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