Easy & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

This easy and cheesy baked spaghetti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With a rich meat sauce and melted cheese topping, it combines classic flavors in a simple, oven-baked meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (93% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce (such as Rao’s tomato basil)
• 1 lb package spaghetti
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes so it’s slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large Dutch oven or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Stir in garlic paste, brown sugar, and marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Add the drained pasta and toss gently until the pasta is fully coated with the meat sauce.
6. Step 6: Transfer the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: In a bowl, combine the shredded Italian cheese blend, cheddar, and parmesan. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Let cool for 5-7 minutes before serving.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with extra grated parmesan on the side. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or Italian sausage as a substitute for beef for different flavors.
• Adding a cup of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce adds extra texture and nutrition.
• For a creamier dish, stir in a half cup of ricotta cheese before baking.
• Leftover baked spaghetti can be baked again to reheat, adding a few tablespoons of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Storage

Store leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked spaghetti a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What pasta is best for baked spaghetti?

Regular spaghetti works well, but you can also use thicker pasta like rigatoni or penne if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Easy & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Easy & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with a blend of melted Italian cheeses and baked to golden bubbly perfection. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and sure to please the whole family.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (93% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce (such as Rao’s tomato basil)

Pasta & Cheese

• 1 lb package spaghetti
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside while you prepare the pasta and meat sauce.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, but reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes so the pasta remains slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: In a large dutch oven or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden utensil. Cook, stirring often, until browned and slightly crispy, about 6–7 minutes.
4. Sauté Onion and Season: Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until tender, about 3–4 minutes. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir in the garlic paste, brown sugar, and marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer briefly for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce mixture, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Add Cheese Topping: In a bowl, mix the shredded Italian cheese blend, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the pasta.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes. Let cool for 5–7 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve portions with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Enjoy your cheesy baked spaghetti!

Notes

• Cooking pasta slightly underdone helps it to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
• Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor; Rao’s tomato basil is recommended but any jarred sauce will work.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce if you want extra nutrition and flavor.
• Broiling at the end gives the cheese topping a nice golden crisp—watch it closely to prevent burning.
• This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking cold.

Keywords: baked spaghetti, cheesy pasta bake, ground beef spaghetti, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, Italian casserole