Baked Spaghetti – A Cheesy, Comforting Twist on a Classic 🍝🧀🔥

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and family-approved? This Baked Spaghetti checks all the boxes: layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and golden melted cheese come together in a bubbling, oven-baked masterpiece. 👏

It’s everything you love about spaghetti night — only better. Make it ahead, freeze it for later, or bring it to a potluck — this dish always delivers warm, nostalgic comfort. 💛

Why You’ll Love It

✅ Easy to prepare – no fancy steps required
✅ Make-ahead & freezer friendly
✅ Cheesy, saucy, filling – ultimate comfort food
✅ Kid- and adult-approved
✅ Perfect for crowds or leftovers

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Expanded)

• 16 oz spaghetti pasta (white or whole wheat) – Break in half before boiling to make mixing and serving easier. Choose whole wheat for extra fiber.
• 2 tsp olive oil – Helps sauté aromatics and enhances richness.
• ¾ cup chopped yellow onion – Mild and sweet when sautéed, forming the flavor base.
• 1 lb ground beef, ground turkey, or sausage – Any ground protein works; sausage adds a spicier, more robust flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Bold and aromatic, elevates the entire sauce.
• 48 oz marinara sauce (2 jars or homemade) – Use your favorite brand or a garlicky homemade blend.
• 1½ tsp Italian seasoning – A balanced mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper – Essential seasoning to bring it all together.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided – Mixed in for flavor and sprinkled on top for a crusty, golden finish.
• 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup) – Melts into gooey, stretchy bliss.
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional) – For a fresh, bright garnish 🌿

👩‍🍳 How to Make Baked Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break the spaghetti in half and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Meat & Onion
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add ground meat and raise heat to medium-high. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add ¼ cup of Parmesan into the sauce, then stir in cooked spaghetti. Mix well until evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese, remaining ¼ cup Parmesan, and a sprinkle of dried oregano if desired.

Step 7: Bake
Cover with foil (spray the underside to prevent sticking). Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• 🥖 Serve with garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
• 🥗 Add a side Caesar or simple green salad
• 🧄 Pair with roasted broccoli or sautéed zucchini
• 🍷 Enjoy with a glass of Sangiovese or chilled sparkling water

💡 Expert Tips & Variations

• Add veggies: Sauté grated carrot, bell pepper, or zucchini with the onion
• Go vegetarian: Swap in plant-based meat or lentils
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or use spicy Italian sausage
• Switch the pasta: Use penne, fusilli, or rotini if you prefer
• Boost the cheese: Add ricotta or cream cheese for extra creaminess

🥡 Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze fully assembled (unbaked or baked) for up to 3 months
• To bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in fridge and bake as directed, adding 10–15 minutes
• To reheat: Warm individual portions in microwave or reheat the whole dish at 350°F, covered, until hot throughout

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Spaghetti is classic, but ziti, rigatoni, or penne also work well.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Definitely! Use two baking dishes or one deep lasagna pan for a crowd.

Q: Can I use jarred pasta sauce?
A: Yes — just choose one with rich flavor and minimal added sugar.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Baked Spaghetti is the kind of recipe that wins over every table it lands on. 💫 It’s cozy, cheesy, and hits all the nostalgic notes of your childhood favorites — only now, you’re the one bringing it to the table.

Whether it’s a weeknight win, a freezer-friendly lifesaver, or a potluck hero, this dish is endlessly reliable and deeply satisfying. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make something unforgettable — just good pasta, a savory sauce, and cheese that bubbles and browns just right. 🔥🍽️

So grab your favorite casserole dish, and let this Baked Spaghetti warm up your kitchen and your heart. 💕

Short version

Baked Spaghetti

When you're looking for an easy dinner that's cozy and satisfying, baked spaghetti is always a winning choice. It features layers of cooked spaghetti noodles, well-seasoned ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with a generous amount of melted cheese that turns golden and bubbly in the oven. This dish is not only comforting but also practical — you can assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed, making it ideal for busy evenings or potluck gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 16 ounces spaghetti pasta white or whole wheat
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ¾ cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey or sausage
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 48 ounces marinara sauce 2 jars 24 ounces each, or homemade
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup
• chopped fresh parsley or basil optional for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break the spaghetti in half, add it to the boiling water, and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring often.
• Add the ground beef and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mix in ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan, then stir in the cooked spaghetti until well combined.
• Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan.
• Cover the dish with foil, spraying the underside lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Notes

To add vegetables, sauté finely chopped carrot, bell pepper, or zucchini along with the onion at the start of the recipe. You can also stir in a handful of chopped fresh spinach when adding the marinara sauce to the skillet.
Store leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Keyword Baked Spaghetti