Introduction

This Easy Baked Spaghetti is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a blend of melted cheeses, it’s a family-friendly meal that comes together with minimal fuss.

Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third position.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. If the beef is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Stir the minced garlic into the beef mixture and cook for about a minute. Add the marinara sauce and warm for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the cooked spaghetti. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Smooth it into an even layer in the dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For a bubbly, golden top, broil for a few minutes—watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and cut into squares using a spatula.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or omit them for a milder dish.
Leftover baked spaghetti makes great sandwiches or can be reheated for an easy lunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or gently in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well here. Cook it according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Do I need to fully cook the spaghetti before baking?

No, the pasta should be cooked just under al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package suggests) since it will finish cooking in the oven with the sauce.

Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 127 reviews

This Easy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti mixed with a flavorful ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a straightforward, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

1 pound uncooked spaghetti

Meat Sauce

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)

Cheese Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third to ensure even baking and browning of the cheese topping.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it for 2 minutes less than the time recommended on the package to maintain a firm texture after baking. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, dried oregano (or Italian seasoning), and crushed red pepper flakes if using. If the beef is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help cook the onions. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. If excess fat accumulates, carefully spoon most of it out.
Add Garlic and Marinara Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then pour in the marinara sauce and warm the mixture for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the drained spaghetti in the casserole dish. Toss gently with a spoon or spatula until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and sauce. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Broil and Rest: For a golden-brown cheese crust, switch your oven to broil and cook the top for a few minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set.
Serve: Cut the baked spaghetti into squares using a spatula. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

Cooking pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
You can use pre-made marinara sauce for convenience or homemade sauce for extra flavor.
If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
The mixture can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase the baking time slightly.

Keywords: baked spaghetti, spaghetti casserole, ground beef pasta bake, easy baked pasta, cheesy spaghetti bake