Imagine all the comforting, savory flavors of a classic spaghetti dinner, transformed into a crowd-pleasing, cheesy, bubbly casserole. That is the magic of baked spaghetti. This ultimate baked spaghetti recipe takes a familiar favorite and elevates it into a perfect make-ahead meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a hearty family dinner. With layers of tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, a creamy cheese filling, and a golden, melted mozzarella topping, this dish is the definition of comfort food, guaranteed to have everyone coming back for a second slice.
🍝 Why Baked Spaghetti? The Magic of the Casserole
While a simple bowl of spaghetti is delicious, the act of baking it as a casserole unlocks a new level of flavor and texture that makes it truly special.
- It Feeds a Crowd: A single 9×13-inch pan can easily serve eight or more people, making it an economical and satisfying choice for large families or gatherings.
- Perfect for Making Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole a day or two in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a lifesaver for busy schedules, allowing you to have a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table with minimal effort after a long day.
- The Texture is Incredible: Baking the spaghetti creates a wonderful variety of textures in every bite. You get the crispy, slightly browned noodles from the edges, the soft and tender pasta in the middle, and the gooey, golden-brown cheese crust on top.
- Leftovers are Even Better: The flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator, making the leftovers arguably even more delicious the next day. It holds its shape well, making it easy to slice and reheat.
🛒 The Building Blocks of a Perfect Baked Spaghetti
This recipe is all about creating distinct, delicious layers that come together in perfect harmony.
The Pasta
The most important rule is to cook your pasta very al dente—about 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. The pasta will continue to cook and absorb sauce in the oven, and undercooking it initially is the key to preventing a mushy final result. While spaghetti is the classic choice, other shapes work wonderfully too.
| Pasta Type | Why It Works in a Baked Dish |
| Spaghetti/Vermicelli | The classic choice. The long strands create a unique, sliceable texture. |
| Bucatini | This thick, hollow spaghetti is fantastic for trapping sauce in its center. |
| Ziti/Penne | These sturdy tubes are a classic casserole choice that holds up well to baking. |
| Rotini/Fusilli | The corkscrew shape has plenty of nooks and crannies to catch the sauce and cheese. |
The Hearty Meat Sauce
A rich, flavorful meat sauce is the heart of this dish. We use lean ground beef (85/15 is a great choice) as the base. Sautéing it with diced onion and minced garlic first builds a deep, savory foundation. While you can use a high-quality jarred marinara sauce for convenience, you can easily elevate its flavor by adding a pinch of sugar (to balance acidity), a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (for warmth), and a teaspoon of dried oregano.
The Creamy Cheese Layer
This hidden layer in the middle is what takes baked spaghetti from good to unforgettable. A simple mixture of whole-milk ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg (which acts as a binder to help the layer set), and Italian seasonings creates a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich meat sauce. For a smoother texture, you can substitute the ricotta with full-fat cottage cheese that has been blended in a food processor until smooth.
The Cheesy Topping
A generous blanket of shredded, low-moisture mozzarella cheese is the final touch. As it bakes, it melts into a glorious, golden-brown crust with those irresistible cheese pulls that everyone loves. For the best melt, always shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain starches that prevent them from melting as smoothly.
🧀 The Ultimate Baked Spaghetti Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until very al dente (about 2-3 minutes shy of the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer 1: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with about 1 cup of the meat sauce. Spread half of this spaghetti mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer 2: Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, then gently spread it into an even layer.
- Layer 3: Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Layer 4: Pour the rest of the meat sauce evenly over the top.
- Layer 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil (lightly greased on the underside to prevent cheese from sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve.
🎨 Creative Twists on Classic Baked Spaghetti
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, use it as a base for fun and delicious variations.
Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti
To make a hearty vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef. In its place, sauté 8 ounces of chopped cremini mushrooms and one diced zucchini with the onion and garlic until they are well-browned and have released their moisture. You can also add a cup of chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
Chicken Alfredo Baked Spaghetti
For a completely different flavor profile, swap the red sauce for a creamy white sauce. Use 1.5 to 2 cups of your favorite Alfredo sauce and 2 cups of shredded, cooked rotisserie chicken. Toss the chicken with the spaghetti and half the sauce for the bottom layer, use the ricotta filling, then top with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Taco Baked Spaghetti
This fun fusion dish is a huge hit with kids. Prepare the ground beef with a packet of taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs. Stir a can of drained black beans and a cup of corn into the marinara sauce. Assemble as directed, but use a Mexican cheese blend for the topping. Serve with dollops of sour cream and chopped cilantro.
🍽️ More Delicious Recipes, from Breakfast to Bok Choy
If a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole is your kind of meal, you’ll enjoy these other fantastic recipes.
🧇 Fluffy Belgian Waffle Recipe
For a special weekend breakfast, a belgian waffle recipe is a true delight. What makes them different from standard waffles is their depth and texture. Made with a leavening agent like yeast or whipped egg whites, Belgian waffles are exceptionally light and airy on the inside with deep pockets perfect for holding pools of melted butter and syrup.
🥩 Classic Beef Enchilada Recipe
A beef enchilada recipe is a classic Tex-Mex comfort food that’s perfect for a family dinner. It features corn tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese, which are then rolled up, arranged in a baking dish, and smothered in a rich, savory red enchilada sauce. Topped with more cheese and baked until bubbly, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For another great ground beef idea, try these ground beef crock pot recipes.
🍔 Secret “Big Mac” Sauce Recipe
Ever wanted to recreate the iconic flavor of a Big Mac at home? The secret is all in the sauce, and this copycat big mac sauce recipe is incredibly easy to make. Simply whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, a splash of white vinegar, and seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika. It’s a perfect condiment for burgers, fries, and salads.
🥬 Simple Sautéed Bok Choy Recipe
For a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish, a bok choy recipe is a fantastic choice. Baby bok choy is particularly great for sautéing. Simply slice it in half lengthwise, and sear it cut-side down in a hot skillet with a little oil, fresh garlic, and ginger. Add a splash of soy sauce and water, cover, and let it steam for a minute or two until the stems are tender-crisp. It’s a perfect side for many Asian-inspired dishes, like these easy protein bowls.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I prevent my baked spaghetti from being dry?
A: There are two keys: don’t be shy with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated, and don’t skip the ricotta layer, which adds a significant amount of moisture and creaminess to the center of the casserole. Also, be sure not to overbake it.
Q: What are the best side dishes for baked spaghetti?
A: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast to the rich casserole. Classic garlic bread is also a must-have for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
Q: Can I assemble this in the morning to bake at night?
A: Absolutely. This is a perfect make-ahead meal. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be starting from cold.
🎉 Your New Favorite Family Dinner
This baked spaghetti recipe is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved dishes, creating a comforting, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal that feels both special and wonderfully familiar. It’s a dish that proves that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that bring simple, classic flavors together in a new and exciting way. For a perfect sweet finish, try this best cheesecake recipe using yogurt.
🍝 Quick Jump to the Baked Spaghetti Recipe
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Ultimate Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Hindu
Description
This baked spaghetti casserole transforms classic spaghetti into a hearty, cheesy, crowd-pleasing comfort dish. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbly golden mozzarella, it’s a make-ahead family favorite perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti until very al dente (2–3 minutes less than package directions). Drain.
- Brown beef and onion in a skillet. Drain fat. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in marinara, season with salt and pepper, and simmer briefly.
- Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Toss pasta with 1 cup meat sauce. Layer half in dish. Spread ricotta mixture over, then top with remaining pasta.
- Pour remaining meat sauce over top. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Cover with greased foil. Bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Cook pasta underdone to prevent mushiness. For make-ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 10–15 minutes to baking time if chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner recipe, make-ahead pasta, spaghetti with ricotta