If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Baked Spaghetti Recipe. It combines perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, and three kinds of cheese baked into gooey, golden perfection. This dish is incredibly satisfying, turning simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing feast that’s just as good for weeknight dinners as it is for casual get-togethers. Each forkful delivers layers of flavor and texture that’ll have you reaching for seconds before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind any great baked spaghetti lies in a few essential ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each one is simple yet plays a crucial role in the dish’s overall taste, texture, and inviting color.
- 1 pound spaghetti: Use cooked and drained spaghetti for the perfect pasta base that holds up well in the oven.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a savory, hearty layer with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The tomato-based sauce provides moisture, tanginess, and depth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds luscious creaminess that balances tang and spice.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, stringy cheese pull that everyone loves.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that brightens and deepens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that brings a harmonious Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds inviting color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your baked spaghetti won’t stick and will come out in perfect slices. It’s a simple yet crucial first step to setting you up for success.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned, releasing those deep, savory flavors. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily. Stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. This creates a rich, well-seasoned meat sauce that’s foundational to your baked spaghetti.
Step 3: Mix the Pasta and Cheeses
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. This mixture gives you creamy, cheesy pasta strands that bind beautifully with the meat sauce layers. Mixing evenly ensures each bite delivers a perfect combo of textures.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Dish
This part is all about building flavor layers. Spread half of your spaghetti and cheese mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Then spoon half of the meat sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mix and meat sauce, creating a luscious, multi-layered casserole that will bake into pure comfort food bliss.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is bubbly and heated through. For that irresistible golden-brown cheese crust, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until beautifully crisped.
Step 6: Garnish and Let Cool
Once out of the oven, let your baked spaghetti rest for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling helps everything set nicely for easier serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if you like a pop of freshness and color to brighten this hearty meal.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley aren’t just decorative; they add a silky freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich tomato and cheese layers. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving also enhances the flavor.
Side Dishes
Keep your meal balanced by pairing this Baked Spaghetti Recipe with simple sides such as a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread to scoop up that extra sauce, or roasted vegetables to add varied textures and nutrition. These sides complement the dish without competing with its bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving the baked spaghetti in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a rustic charm. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want extra zing. Presentation can elevate this homey classic to a dish that feels special for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavors and texture, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, which makes it a perfect make-ahead meal. Freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but heating slowly in the oven helps retain that fresh-baked texture and cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this baked spaghetti recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap in other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Just make sure to cook and drain the pasta well before mixing with cheese and sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef or sausage with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. The marinara and cheese layers still bring plenty of flavor and richness.
Can I prepare the dish ahead and bake it later?
Definitely. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?
Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be used as substitutes for ricotta. For a firmer texture, mix cottage cheese with a bit of beaten egg or cream cheese to get close to ricotta’s creaminess.
How can I make the top cheese layer extra crispy?
Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes of baking and switch your oven to broil. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn; this will give you that perfect golden crust that’s irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spaghetti Recipe is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style, perfectly blending comfort, ease, and rich flavors into a homey meal everyone will adore. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, it’s always a hit. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this cheesy, saucy, delicious experience — your taste buds will thank you!
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 recipe combines tender cooked spaghetti with a savory meat sauce and creamy cheese layers, baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish features Italian flavors and a crispy golden cheese crust.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (half of 1 cup)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (half of ½ cup)
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining half)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (remaining half)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease carefully. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer briefly to blend flavors.
- Layer Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly. Spread half of this spaghetti-cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture and meat sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dish is hot and bubbly. To achieve a golden and slightly crispy top, remove the foil and broil on high for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free.
- Cook spaghetti slightly less than al dente as it will continue to cook in the baking process.
- Broiling should be done carefully to avoid burning the cheese; keep a close eye on it.
