I love this baked spaghetti because it takes a familiar comfort food and turns it into something hearty, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. It feels like a cozy family dinner baked into one dish, with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese that come together beautifully in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it is simple to prepare, filling, and great for feeding a crowd. I also enjoy how it can be made ahead of time and baked when I am ready. The flavors deepen as it bakes, and the cheesy topping makes every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb spaghetti noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar marinara or meat sauce (about 24 oz)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
I start by cooking the spaghetti noodles in salted water according to the package directions, then I drain them and set them aside. In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once it is cooked through, I add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, and I cook everything until the vegetables soften.
I season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then I stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. I combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until the noodles are well coated.
I transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish, then I sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. I bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 6 to 8 servings from this baked spaghetti. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to bake, and about 45 minutes total from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor. When I want extra richness, I mix a little ricotta or cream cheese into the spaghetti before baking. I also like adding mushrooms or olives when I want more vegetables in the dish.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. I cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this baked spaghetti ahead of time?
I often assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until I am ready to bake.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
I freeze it either baked or unbaked, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
I like mozzarella for melting and Parmesan for flavor, but I also enjoy using a blend of Italian cheeses.
Can I make this recipe without meat?
I make it meatless by skipping the ground beef and using a vegetable-based marinara sauce.
How do I keep baked spaghetti from drying out?
I make sure there is enough sauce mixed into the pasta and cover it with foil if it starts browning too quickly.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this baked spaghetti because it is comforting, easy, and always a hit at the table. It is one of those recipes I rely on when I want a warm, satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.
A cozy, crowd-pleasing baked spaghetti dish layered with tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb spaghetti noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar marinara or meat sauce (about 24 oz)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti noodles in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until vegetables are softened.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until noodles are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use Italian sausage or ground turkey for a flavor twist.
Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Add mushrooms, olives, or spinach for extra veggies.
Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly during baking.
Let the dish sit before slicing to help it hold together better.
