Baked Spaghetti Recipe

When I first made baked spaghetti, I was amazed at how this simple twist on the classic pasta dish could taste so comforting. The layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese reminded me of lasagna but were so much easier to put together. The aroma that filled my kitchen while it baked was irresistible, and when I finally took that first bite, it was pure satisfaction, cheesy, saucy, and perfectly baked. Now, it’s become a family favorite that never fails to impress at dinner time.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
  

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
• Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; simmer 5 minutes.
• In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Combine cooked spaghetti with the cheese mixture.
• Spread half the meat sauce in a baking dish.
• Add the spaghetti mixture, then top with the remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 890mg

Expert Tips and Variations

You can easily make this dish your own! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten it up, or use almond milk instead of regular milk in the sauce if you’re avoiding dairy. For a richer flavor, try mixing in Italian sausage or adding a layer of ricotta between the noodles. Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti before baking it should be slightly firm since it will cook more in the oven. And if you like extra cheesiness, sprinkle some mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of baking for that golden, bubbly finish.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Spaghetti

Let the baked spaghetti cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until hot. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, just thaw overnight before reheating.

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