Baked Spaghetti Recipe

This cheesy baked spaghetti is a comforting casserole loaded with noodles, lots of cheese, and savory meat sauce.

Bake in the oven until hot and bubbly and serve with a side of buttery garlic bread. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and easy weeknight dinners.

Baked Spaghetti

So, what makes baked spaghetti so irresistible?

Comfort Food Classic – It has all comfort of lasagna with none of the fuss.

Easy One-Pot Meal – With just a few simple ingredients, you can prep this meal in just 15 minutes. The oven does the rest!

Endless Variations – You can mix and match your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

Cheesy Goodness – Whether you prefer mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of both, cheese is what takes baked spaghetti from good to great. 

Serve with a side of garlic bread. It’s the perfect sidekick for scooping up all that yummy sauce. 

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this family-favorite Italian dish at home.

• Spaghetti. This is the pasta base of the dish. A package of 16 ounces should be enough for this recipe.

• Ground beef. A pound of ground beef makes this dish hearty and meaty. I like using 80-85 percent lean beef for the most flavor.

• Chopped onion. Adding a chopped onion to the dish will add some depth of flavor and a bit of crunch.

• Spaghetti sauce. This jar of meatless spaghetti sauce provides a rich base for the dish. You can use any brand you like. Or, if you have the time, use a homemade sauce. 

• Seasoned salt. Just a dash of seasoned salt will help to enhance the flavors of the dish.

• Eggs. The eggs will help to bind the ingredients together and create a creamy texture.

• Parmesan cheese. Grated parmesan cheese will add a nutty and salty flavor to the dish.

• Butter. Melted butter will add richness and a smooth texture to the dish.

• Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese adds so much creaminess and a wonderful tangy flavor. And a boost of protein.

• Mozzarella cheese: Last but not least, shredded mozzarella cheese will add a gooey, melted texture and a mild flavor.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

You’ll never fuss with lasagna ever again when you realize how quickly this recipe comes together. Here’s a quick breakdown, but I’ll get into more detail at the bottom of the page. 

1. Prepare. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Cook the pasta. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your spaghetti and cook until it’s tender (around 12 minutes). Drain, and set aside. 

3. Sizzle up some beef. In a big skillet, cook your beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Then, drain the excess oil, and stir in spaghetti and seasoned salt. 

4. Whisk and toss. Whisk the eggs, parmesan, and melted butter in a large bowl. Then, add in your cooked spaghetti and give everything a good toss.

5. Layer. Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish. First, put half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish. Then, add half of the cottage cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat, and cover the dish with foil.

6. Bake it to perfection. Bake your dish for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes. 

7. Serve. Dig in, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

You can easily change up baked spaghetti to your liking: 

• Swap out beef. Try adding sausage, chicken, or bacon to the dish. Mixing in different meats can create a new flavor profile every time you make it.

• More veggies. This is a great way to sneak in some veggies.  Try adding bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini for a healthy twist.

• Cheese please! Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or provolone, to find your favorite combination.

• Experiment with sauce. Try different sauces, such as marinara, alfredo, or pesto.

• Make a crunchy crust. Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the dish to add a crunchy texture.

• Cut the carbs. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the dish healthier.

• Make it spicy. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or jalapenos.

• Creative topping ideas. Throw in some olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic, to add extra flavor and texture.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

You can absolutely make baked spaghetti ahead of time.

You have two options with this dish.

You can either prepare and assemble it a day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. 

Or, you can freeze the assembled casserole for up to 2 months, then bake it later.

Just remember, before baking, let it sit at room temperature for a bit.

How to Store Baked Spaghetti

Here’s what you need to do to enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.

• To Store. Let the spaghetti cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To Freeze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or freezer-friendly containers. This will help prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. 

• To Reheat. Transfer it to an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes. Or, you can also use a microwave for a few minutes if you’re in a hurry.