What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This baked spaghetti recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to throw together, yet how impressive it turns out every time.
- Cheesy, gooey goodness – Layers of melted cheese make every bite irresistible.
- Perfect for leftovers – It reheats beautifully, tasting even better the next day.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Recipe
Homemade baked spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe combines al dente spaghetti, a flavorful meat sauce, and a cheesy topping for a delicious casserole that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and mix well.
- Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the spaghetti layer.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine
Italian-American
Serving
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
This baked spaghetti recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
Calories: 420
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 620mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
What To Serve With It
I love serving my baked spaghetti with warm garlic bread, toasted just right for that perfect crunch. A fresh garden salad, tossed with crisp veggies and a light vinaigrette, adds an invigorating balance to the meal. These sides make it feel like a cozy, complete dinner I’d share with friends and family.
Garlic Bread Pairing
Though spaghetti’s already delicious on its own, garlic bread takes it to the next level, adding a crispy, buttery bite that’s downright irresistible. I always make it fresh, slathering a baguette with a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley. When it’s toasted golden brown, the aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to wait for dinner. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, and the contrast between the crunchy bread and tender pasta is just magic. Trust me, once you try this pairing, you’ll wonder how you ever ate spaghetti without it.
Fresh Garden Salad
After that buttery garlic bread, a fresh garden salad brings a crisp, revitalizing balance to the meal. I love tossing together a mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula, adding crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrots for color. A sprinkle of red onions and a handful of croutons add zing and texture. For the dressing, I keep it simple with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s light but flavorful, perfect alongside the rich spaghetti. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a few olives or feta cheese for extra flair. It’s a no-fuss side that brightens up the whole plate.
