Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti is the kind of cozy, hearty meal that never fails to please. With layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of bubbling cheese, it’s like lasagna’s easier cousin — all the flavor, none of the fuss. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver, potluck favorite, and crowd-pleaser all rolled into one bubbling casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning to freeze leftovers for later, this baked spaghetti recipe will become a go-to comfort classic in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧀 All the cheesy goodness of lasagna, but easier
• 🍅 Rich, meaty marinara flavor in every bite
• 👪 Perfect for families, gatherings, or make-ahead meals
• 🍽 Comforting, satisfying, and freezer-friendly
• 🔁 Easy to double and reheat

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
• 2 tbsp salted butter (plus more for greasing)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 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. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
   Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
3. Make the Meat Sauce
   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 Sauce
   Stir marinara sauce into the beef. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.
5. Combine Pasta & Ricotta
   Add cooked spaghetti and ricotta cheese to the meat sauce. Toss until fully coated.
6. Assemble
   Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish & Serve
   Sprinkle with torn basil and serve hot. Enjoy!

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Skill Level: Easy

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
  Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.

Tips & Variations

• 🐖 Try half ground beef and half Italian sausage for added flavor
• 🍗 Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
• 🧊 Freezes beautifully — bake in a foil pan, cool, and freeze
• 🧄 Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies
• 🧀 Love it cheesier? Add a layer of provolone or fontina before baking

FAQs

Can I make Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Don’t overbake it. When reheating, cover with foil to keep moisture in.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine or angel hair can work too — just don’t overcook them.

What can I serve with baked spaghetti?
Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted broccoli are all great sides.

Baked Spaghetti

A cozy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with hearty meat sauce and bubbly cheese — perfect for family dinners or freezing ahead.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 590

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb spaghetti
• – 2 tbsp butter
• – 1 lb ground beef
• – 1 tsp salt
• – 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 mozzarella shredded
• – ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• – ¼ cup fresh basil torn

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain (do not rinse).
3. Brown beef in butter with spices. Stir in marinara and simmer.
4. Mix in spaghetti and ricotta. Transfer to dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and parmesan. Bake 30 min.
6. Garnish with basil and serve hot.

Notes

Cover with foil for moist reheating. Add sausage or veggies for variety.

Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti is the comfort food you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, filling, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this cheesy casserole checks all the boxes. Cozy up and dig in!