Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti is a classic recipe that we love to serve when we are feeding a crowd. My entire family loves spaghetti and layering in a casserole dish then topped with melting cheese makes it taste even better.

This dish is easy to prepare and a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef. If you love this casserole then you will love Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, Mexican Spaghetti and Spaghetti Pie.

Why We Love Baked Spaghetti

We love making recipes that take very little effort after a long day and this is my go-to recipe. This Monday Night Dinner Idea recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and the ingredients are so simple. In fact, we usually have them on hand to meal a hearty and filling meal that everyone loves.

You can make this easy baked spaghetti recipe ahead of time and is also freezes great. Add your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti Noodles – Use any brand that you prefer
• Ground Beef – We like using lean ground beef
• Yellow Onion – Use a vegetable chopper to ensure that the onions are chopped evenly. You can even prepare ahead of time and freeze the onions.
• Garlic Minced – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Marinara Sauce – Use jar sauce or make Easy Marinara Sauce
• Italian Seasoning – If you are out, see The Best Italian Seasoning Substitute
• Red Pepper Flakes – This is an additional spice but gives the sauce a kick of flavor
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese and Grated Parmesan Cheese – Love the combination of the two but you can use what you prefer. You can even add in ricotta cheese

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Change Meat – You can change the meat to ground turkey or add in Italian Sausage.
• Vegetables – This is a great recipe to sneak in veggies such as a handful of fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers.
• Cheese – Substitute or add in cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for even more flavor.
• Sauce – Feel free to use a can of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce for a delicious combination that mixes well with the meat.
• Spices – For even more flavor you can substitute the Italian Seasoning with fresh herbs. Add in Fresh Basil Leaves, Fresh Rosemary and Fresh Thyme.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the baking dish with cooking spray to easily serve.

Step 2 – Cook the spaghetti noodles 2 minutes less than al dente based on the package instructions.  Drain the pasta and place it in the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish. 

Step 3 – Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a large skillet over medium high heat with a wooden spoon.  Break up the beef as it browns and cook until the beef is no longer pink.  Drain off any excess grease. 

Step 4 – Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. 

Step 5 – Stir in the maraina sauce, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is heated through.  

Step 6 – Pour the meat sauce on top of the noodles in the baking dish.  Toss the beef mixture with the noodles until the noodles are coated with the beef and sauce.  Smooth the mixture into an even layer. 

Step 7 – Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the top of the casserole starts to brown.  

• Step 8 – Remove the baked spaghetti casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut into squares, serve warm topped with the chopped parsley and enjoy!  

Recipe Tips

• Shredded Cheese – Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded so that it melts smoothly and for the best flavor in this recipe. 
• Spaghetti – Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water al dente and according to package directions as the spaghetti will continue to cook while it bakes with the other ingredients.
• Baking Dish – This dish is made in a 9×13 baking dish but you can also prepare in two 8×8 baking dish and freeze one of them.

What to Serve With Baked Spaghetti?

Baked Spaghetti is a hearty dish so we like to serve with lighter Side Dishes. These are some of our favorites.

• Homemade Garlic Bread
• Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
• Spinach Strawberry Salad
• Sautéed Green Beans