If you have ever craved a dish that’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for sharing, then you’re going to love this Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe. It combines tender spaghetti, rich ground beef, layers of gooey cheese, and a flavorful marinara sauce all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, bringing everyone around the table together with smiles and second helpings. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this baked spaghetti will quickly become your go-to recipe for satisfying family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with ingredients that are simple but essential, each one playing a special role to create incredible taste, texture, and color in this baked spaghetti. From savory ground beef to creamy ricotta, each component works beautifully in harmony.
- Salted butter: Used for greasing the dish and adding a subtle richness when cooking the beef.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors just right without overpowering them.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta base that absorbs the sauce and holds the cheesy goodness well.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty meatiness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and complements the beef perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes: A little touch of heat that lifts the whole dish.
- Marinara sauce: The tomatoey heart of the recipe, rich and flavorful.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings creaminess and a soft texture that balances the acidity of the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible bubbly, gooey top layer.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances every bite.
- Fresh basil: Torn on top for a bright, herbaceous finish before serving.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 400˚F (200˚C) and greasing a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add a touch of richness. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is key for seasoning the pasta properly—and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to get ready for the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat, which ensures the flavors meld right into the dish. Add the ground beef along with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks to achieve evenly browned, flavorful crumbles. This usually takes about 7 minutes, and your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.
Step 3: Combine Beef with Marinara and Pasta
Once the beef is browned, stir in the entire jar of marinara sauce and bring it all to a gentle simmer for about 3 minutes to deepen the flavors. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the cooked spaghetti and creamy ricotta cheese until every strand is coated and luscious. This step is where all the components start to come together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this delicious spaghetti mixture into your prepped baking dish. Evenly scatter shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top, covering it with that irresistible cheesy blanket. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling, signaling the perfect melty finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle torn fresh basil over the top for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the baked, savory pasta underneath. This final touch brings brightness and just the right herbal note to your Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are an ideal garnish, adding both color and a fresh, aromatic lift that balances the richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch depending on your preference.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with simple green salads — think crisp romaine with a tangy vinaigrette — or roasted vegetables like zucchini or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is another classic choice, perfect for mopping up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner or casual gathering, serve the baked spaghetti straight from the dish for that warm, communal feel. To elevate it for guests, plate individual portions garnished with basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You could also add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, this baked spaghetti freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing to avoid condensation and freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ËšF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to bring back that bubbling cheese top. Alternatively, you can microwave a portion for faster reheating, covered with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to lock in moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works best for texture, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for families with kids?
Definitely! It’s a crowd-pleaser that offers familiar flavors and creamy cheese that kids usually love. You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer it milder for younger palates.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep the heartiness without the meat.
What’s the best type of marinara sauce to use?
Choose a high-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce with simple, fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid overly sweet or heavily spiced sauces to maintain balance.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This makes it easy to manage your time while still offering fresh, bubbling baked spaghetti.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe a try—it’s truly a meal that brings warmth, comfort, and deliciousness to your dining table. Once you taste that cheesy, saucy goodness paired with tender pasta, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy every comforting bite together!
Print
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Baked Spaghetti is a comforting family favorite that combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. This hearty casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or potluck dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 tsp. kosher salt (for cooking beef)
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400ËšF (200ËšC). Grease a 9-by-13-inch or similarly sized 3-quart baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Beef and Add Seasoning: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7 minutes.
- Combine Meat with Sauce and Pasta: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the drained spaghetti and ricotta cheese until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the spaghetti and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top before serving to add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use salted butter for richer flavor and easier seasoning adjustment.
- For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes as preferred.
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Fresh basil adds brightness but can be omitted or substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
