Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food with a hearty meat sauce and loads of gooey melted cheese baked until bubbly and golden! It’s an easy make-ahead favorite that tastes even better with a big slice of garlic bread on the side.

A pan of baked spaghetti with a piece missing so you can see the noodles under the cheese.

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Baked Spaghetti

Flavor: Every bite is rich, savory, and cheesy with zesty tomato sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of cozy Italian-inspired flavor.

Recommended Tools: A large pot, skillet, and a 9×13-inch baking dish are all that’s needed to make this family favorite.

Serving Suggestions: I love serving baked spaghetti with warm garlic bread for soaking up every bit of sauce and a simple crisp green salad on the side to round out the meal.

Freezing: Baked spaghetti is perfect for making ahead just assemble it before baking and freeze for an easy meal that’s ready whenever needed.

Total Time: 55 Minutes Serves: 8

Baked Spaghetti in baking dish with cheese on top

Ingredient Notes

Spaghetti: Use spaghetti noodles for a classic dish or swap them for any long pasta.
Meat: Lean ground beef is classic and hearty. For extra flavor swap it for Italian sausage or use a delicious 50/50 blend of both.
Veggies: Green bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture to the sauce. Red bell pepper, mushrooms, or zucchini can easily be swapped in for a different twist.
Pasta Sauce: Pasta sauce or marinara does most of the heavy lifting here, so use one you really enjoy.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add extra texture and keep the casserole nice and saucy. Be sure not to drain them since the juices help coat the pasta and bring everything together.
Cheese: For the best gooey melt, shred mozzarella from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Swap the mozzarella for provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend.
Variations: For a meatless version, skip the beef and add extra vegetables. For a creamier twist, spread a thin layer of ricotta or cottage cheese over the pasta before topping with mozzarella.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti (full recipe below).
Brown the beef or sausage with the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and salt.
Stir in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, then simmer.
Toss the cooked spaghetti and parsley with the sauce.
Spread it in a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake.

Cook Spaghetti Al Dente: It will soften more as it bakes.
Drain the Beef: So the sauce stays rich instead of greasy.
Simmer the Sauce Uncovered: Do this for a few minutes to thicken it before adding the pasta.
Do Not Rinse the Spaghetti: The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
For Clean Slices: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.
To Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I bake this covered or uncovered?

Bake it uncovered! If the cheese gets too brown before the center is hot, loosely tent it with foil near the end.

How do I add ricotta or cottage cheese?

Spread a thin layer of ricotta or cottage cheese directly over the saucy pasta before adding the final mozzarella topping.

Can I prep this the day before?

Yes. Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. (Add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it’s starting from cold!)

Storing Baked Spaghetti

Next Day Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Leftovers: Portion cooled baked spaghetti into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Freezing Before Baking: Assemble the casserole without the final bake, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake for 35 to 40 minutes, adding the cheese after about 20 minutes.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Cozy Pasta Bakes

Did you enjoy this Baked Spaghetti Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to package directions.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, green pepper, onion, garlic, and salt while breaking up the meat. Drain fat if needed.
Stir in the pasta sauce, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the cooked spaghetti and parsley.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, top with cheeses, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and the cheese is browned and bubbly. Cut into squares to serve.

If preparing ahead of time, increase the baking time
This casserole can be covered with foil and frozen (before baking). Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, adding the cheese after 20 minutes.
Leftovers can be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Pasta

Cuisine American, Italian

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