Baked Spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It’s everything you love about classic spaghetti—tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and rich cheese—but baked into a bubbling, golden casserole. This recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture with minimal effort, making it a weeknight favorite and a go-to for potlucks or cozy family dinners. It’s hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the best of spaghetti and lasagna
• Easy to prep ahead and perfect for freezing
• Loved by kids and adults alike
• Customizable with your favorite meats or veggies
• Makes amazing leftovers!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp salted butter, plus more for greasing
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 (32 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, torn

Instructions

1. Prep the oven and dish: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 9×13-inch (or 3-quart) baking dish.
2. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the meat: In the same pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes.
4. Add the sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti and ricotta to the meat sauce. Mix well.
6. Assemble: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
8. Finish: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~590 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 880mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary by brand.

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or a mix.
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra veg.
• For a spicy version, double the red pepper flakes.
• Make it gluten-free with GF spaghetti and check your sauce label.

FAQs

Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Absolutely. Freeze in a covered, oven-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Baked Spaghetti

A cozy, cheesy pasta bake loaded with hearty meat sauce and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or freezing for later!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 590 kcal

Equipment

• – Large pot
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• – Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• – 2 tbsp salted butter plus more for greasing
• – 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
• – 1 lb spaghetti
• – 1 lb ground beef
• – ½ tsp garlic powder
• – ½ tsp onion powder
• – ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• – 1 32 oz jar marinara sauce
• – 1 cup ricotta cheese
• – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• – ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• – ¼ cup fresh basil torn

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In the same pot, melt butter and brown beef with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
• Stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Mix cooked pasta and ricotta into the meat sauce.
• Transfer to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
• Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
• Garnish with basil and serve hot.

Notes

– Customize with different proteins or extra vegetables.
– Can be made ahead and frozen.
– For a spicier version, add extra chili flakes.

Keyword Baked Spaghetti Lasagna

Conclusion

This baked spaghetti recipe is your ticket to a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal with all the classic Italian-American flavors you love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and cheesy goodness in every bite.