If you’ve been craving a cozy, comforting dinner that brings together the creaminess of cheese, the hearty goodness of meat sauce, and the familiar delight of pasta, you’re going to love this Baked Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a one-dish wonder that takes simple spaghetti and transforms it into a luscious, cheesy casserole with layers of flavor that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy meal to impress guests, this recipe balances convenience with classic taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to capturing the perfect balance of flavors and texture in this baked spaghetti dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smooth ricotta that adds creaminess, to the browned meat that lends robust depth, plus the cheeses that create rich, melty layers.
- 1 pound spaghetti: Use regular or whole wheat, just be sure to cook al dente so it holds up beautifully when baked.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Brown it well for that savory, meaty base that’s bursting with flavor.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Choose a good-quality sauce to provide the bright tomato richness that ties everything together.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a luxuriously creamy texture and subtle tang.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: For gooey, melty goodness that blankets each layer perfectly.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Delivers sharpness and depth to brighten each bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that speaks classic Italian in every mouthful.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning boosts all the flavors just right.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish for a finishing touch.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your baked spaghetti doesn’t stick and will come out easy to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s beautifully browned and flavorful. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to create a rich, fragrant meat sauce that will elevate the entire dish.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Cheeses
In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. This creamy, cheesy mixture forms the foundation of your casserole’s beautiful layers.
Step 4: Layer the Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Spread half of the spaghetti-cheese mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer, then repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture and meat sauce. Layering builds that wonderful combination of flavors in every forkful.
Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and hot throughout. For an irresistible golden top, remove the foil near the end and broil for 2-3 minutes until perfectly browned.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Allow the baked spaghetti to cool for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set so portions hold nicely. Finish it off by sprinkling fresh basil or parsley if you want a vibrant, herbaceous note that lifts every bite.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly chopped fresh basil or parsley gives your dish a pop of color and subtle herbal brightness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can add a salty finish. These simple garnishes make your plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with crisp garden salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides provide fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, consider serving this baked spaghetti in a large casserole dish family-style. If you want to impress, portion it into individual ramekins or serve alongside a vibrant antipasto platter for a full Italian-inspired feast. Either way, it’s always a hit at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy reheated portions during a busy week.
Freezing
This baked spaghetti freezes wonderfully. Wrap tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a perfect make-ahead option for quick future dinners or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat portions uncovered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results. A quick zap in the microwave works too for speedy lunches.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, you can substitute with any pasta shape you love such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and cook the pasta al dente.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, or use a plant-based meat alternative. The cheeses and sauce will still give you plenty of richness.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a fine substitute, though slightly less creamy. You can also blend cream cheese with a little milk to mimic ricotta’s texture and tang.
How do I get a crispy top without drying out the dish?
Cover with foil while baking to keep moisture in, then remove foil and broil just a few minutes at the end. Keep a close eye so it crisps beautifully without burning.
Can I double this recipe for larger gatherings?
Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans. Just keep the layering technique and baking time similar, adjusting slightly if dishes are deeper.
Final Thoughts
This cherished Baked Spaghetti Recipe is a celebration of comfort food at its very best. It’s simple yet indulgent, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s an instant classic that warms both the kitchen and the heart.
Print
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious baked spaghetti casserole combines al dente pasta with a savory meat sauce layered with creamy ricotta and melted cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a comforting family dinner, this recipe showcases classic Italian flavors with easy preparation and a cheesy, golden crust.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked and drained
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the baked spaghetti doesn’t stick.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage thoroughly. Drain any excess grease, then add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer briefly.
- Mix Pasta and Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta with the cheese.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the spaghetti and cheese mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the pasta layer. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture and meat sauce to create two layers.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top layer evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Optional Broil for Crust: To achieve a golden cheese crust, remove the foil and broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable marinara sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melting and flavor results.
- Make sure to drain the cooked spaghetti well to avoid watery casserole.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
