Warm, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful, baked spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese make this casserole a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing meals for the week, this Italian-inspired dish never disappoints.

This recipe brings together savory ground beef (or sausage), creamy ricotta, and fresh vegetables for a delightful twist on classic spaghetti. With minimal prep and bake time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends alike.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Spaghetti

• Spaghetti – The foundation of the dish, it holds up beautifully to the hearty sauce and layers of cheese.
• Ground beef or sausage – Adds a savory, meaty flavor; turkey can be used for a lighter option.
• Marinara sauce – Provides a rich and tangy base, marrying all the flavors together.
• Ricotta cheese – Creates creaminess and balances the acidity of the marinara.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melted perfection, offering that signature cheesy pull.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds depth with its sharp and nutty flavor.
• Garlic, onion, and bell pepper – Infuse the dish with aromatic and sweet undertones.
• Italian seasoning – Brings authentic herbal notes to the dish.
• Parsley – A fresh garnish that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Spaghetti

1. Prepare the pasta: Cook the spaghetti to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the meat and vegetables: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic for added flavor.
3. Combine the sauce: Mix marinara sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, and cream cheese into the skillet, creating a creamy and tangy sauce.
4. Layer the casserole: Spread half the spaghetti in a baking dish, layer with mozzarella, add the remaining spaghetti, and top with more cheese.
5. Bake and serve: Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips and Variations

For extra depth, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick. Substitute half the mozzarella with smoked provolone for a unique smoky flavor. To pack in more vegetables, include mushrooms or zucchini slices in the layers.

This baked spaghetti is also great for meal prep. Assemble it a day ahead or freeze for a quick, satisfying meal on a busy night. For best results, allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking to set up before slicing.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Spaghetti

To store leftovers, place the baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, use a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with foil, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead, baked spaghetti is a timeless recipe that delivers on flavor and convenience. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

This baked spaghetti dish combines savory ground beef or sausage, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella for a comforting casserole-style meal. Perfect for dinner parties or meal prep, it can be refrigerated or frozen for future use.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion diced
• ¾ lb. spaghetti
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 32 oz. marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 8 oz. ricotta cheese 1 cup
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
• 1 pound ground beef or substitute with sausage or ground turkey
• Parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a large pot of boiling water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the water heats, proceed with the steps below.
• In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
• Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and seasonings. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Lower the heat and mix in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Let the mixture warm through.
• Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture using kitchen tongs, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Note that the dish will appear saucy, but the pasta will absorb more as it bakes.
• Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the mozzarella.
• For immediate serving, bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Make-Ahead Options:

• Refrigerate: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F, bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Freeze: Cover the dish with two layers of foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered. Alternatively, bake directly from frozen, adding 1 hour of covered baking time

 

Pro Tip: If your casserole dish is very full, place it on a baking sheet in the oven to catch any potential spills. An 11 x 15-inch dish can also be used if desired.