Description
Looking for a family-friendly dinner idea that’s easy to make and full of flavor? This Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe delivers everything you love about pasta—tender noodles, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese—all baked into a cozy, sliceable casserole. It’s one of those quick dinners you can throw together on a busy night and still impress the whole table. Whether you’re searching for dinner ideas, an easy recipe for a potluck, or a comforting meal prep option, this cheesy baked spaghetti is always a hit. Ideal for easy dinner nights, delicious leftover lunches, or feeding a crowd on a budget.
Ingredients
1 lb spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly. Add ground beef, break apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, half of the meat sauce, ricotta (if using), half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix well.
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then some sauce and cheese. Repeat for a second layer. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
Slightly undercook the spaghetti before baking to keep it from getting mushy.
Let the casserole rest after baking for clean, sliceable portions.
You can swap the ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner, baked spaghetti, casserole recipe, pasta bake, weeknight meals, comfort food