Craving comfort food? This Baked Spaghetti Recipe is going to become your new obsession! It’s got everything you want in a spaghetti dish: tender noodles, a rich, meaty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or meal prep, this recipe is a complete winner. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit picky eaters or dietary needs. With only simple ingredients and a handful of steps, you’ll have a homemade meal that feels like a warm hug.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Baked Spaghetti Recipe Recipe
Who doesn’t love spaghetti? Now imagine it baked in the oven, topped with melty cheese, and served straight from a casserole dish for the ultimate comfort-food experience. This Baked Spaghetti Recipe is all about taking an everyday dinner and turning it into something a little more special. The combination of pasta, marinara sauce, ground beef, and bubbly cheese makes every bite taste like a hug. If you grew up with a dish like this on your family dinner table, this recipe will bring a ton of nostalgia. It’s endlessly versatile: swap meats, add extra veggies, or make it vegetarian-friendly. Plus, it’s super easy to prep, even if you’re new to cooking. Whether it’s a quick midweek meal or feeding a crowd, this spaghetti bake feels like the answer to every dinner dilemma.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly and kid-approved dish
- Perfect blend of cheesy, saucy goodness
- Customizable to meet dietary needs
- Uses pantry staples for convenience
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Spaghetti: Any pasta works, but spaghetti holds up well for baking.
- Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or make it from scratch if you’re feeling fancy.
- Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for gooeyness and flavor. Vegan cheese options work well, too.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Once cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce.
- Layer the cooked spaghetti and beef marinara in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Cook pasta to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Drain excess grease if using higher-fat ground beef.
Spray your baking dish with non-stick spray to avoid sticking.
Add a layer of foil on top if the cheese browns too quickly.
Variations and Customizations
Give it a Tex-Mex twist by adding taco seasoning to the beef and topping with cheddar cheese. Go veggie by using sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach in place of meat. Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce to create a creamy version!
Nutritional Information
This Baked Spaghetti Recipe comes in at around 400–450 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and ingredient brands. The dish is a good balance of carbohydrates (from the spaghetti), protein (from ground beef and cheese), and fats. To reduce calories, swap for leaner meats or add more veggies. Nutritional value may vary based on selected substitutions and portion sizes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, or pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes until warmed through. For freezer storage, wrap portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Card of Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients list
- 16 once spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped"
- 32 once meatless spaghetti sauce
- 0.5 teaspoons seasoned salt"
- 2 eggs
- 6 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Step-by-Step Instructions
- tart by gathering all the goodness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9x13-inch baking dish a light grease.
- In a large pot, bring some salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until it reaches that perfect mix of tender yet firm, approximately 12 minutes. Drain when done.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sizzle up the ground beef and chopped onion over a medium heat. Stirring occasionally, allow the meat to brown and onions to soften, taking around 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess oil, and stir in the spaghetti sauce along with the seasoned salt. It’s a flavor fiesta!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and melted butter. Toss in the spaghetti to coat it all in this rich blend.
- Take half of your noodle concoction and layer it into your prepped dish. Follow up by adding half of the cottage cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers to double the fun!
- Cover with foil and slide it into the preheated oven for a cozy 40-minute bake. After removing the foil, sprinkle on that last delicious bit of mozzarella.
- Continue baking until the cheese is irresistibly melted and a shade of golden brown, which should take another 20 to 25 minutes
- Brace yourself to dive into this comforting dish. Serve it warm and let your tastebuds revel in its savory splendor!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with baked spaghetti?
Garlic bread and a fresh side salad pair perfectly with this dish!
Can I make it vegetarian?
Of course! Swap the ground beef for diced veggies or your favorite meat substitute.