Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces dry spaghetti ((1 box)); 1 pound ground chuck; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ((⅛ stick)); 1 yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade (1 jar)); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (divided); 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Baked Spaghetti is an easy, cheesy, and cozy family dinner for any night of the week. Spaghetti noodles, seasoned meat sauce, and lots of cheese meld together in the oven, turning it into something my kids love way more than the classic (less cheesy) version. I’m going to show you exactly how to make baked spaghetti so you can see just how easy this comfort meal is!

A casserole dish of baked spaghetti with meat sauce, on a wooden table.

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Cheesy and easy are two of my favorite words when it comes to food, and I love anything that I can make in a pinch for dinner during a chaotic week. So this easy recipe for baked spaghetti is exactly what I need during a busier season of life, and my family always loves it.

Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti

Spaghetti: Spaghetti noodles are recommended for this casserole, but you can use any kind of pasta you love. Just be sure to cook the noodles to al dente for best results. If they’re too soft before baking, they’ll become mushy and lack texture.
Ground Chuck: A bit fattier and tastier than ground beef. Simply skip the beef for a meatless version, or swap in ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Olive Oil + Butter: Add richness and help the beef cook without burning.
Onion + Garlic: Add an earthy and mildly sweet flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or make your own!
Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of color and classic Italian flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices.

Make it Ahead of Time

Even though prep for this recipe is pretty quick, I’m going to tell you how to make this baked spaghetti ahead of time too, so you can just pop it in the oven before dinner. It’s so much easier when I don’t have to think about cooking when everyone is already hungry!

Follow the steps in the recipe card as directed and transfer the mixture to a baking dish (up to Step 8). Instead of baking right away, cover and store the spaghetti in the fridge until ready to eat. Let it sit out on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You can make it up to 48 hours ahead of time, or freeze for 2-3 months.

How to Store and Reheat

Store this baked spaghetti recipe covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freeze this spaghetti bake tightly wrapped in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminum foil for up to 4 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 1 hour.

Serving Suggestions

I keep my baked spaghetti dinner menu simple because I know the kids are just going to fill up on the cheesy pasta. But I usually add an Olive Garden salad or Caesar salad, and freshly baked garlic bread. It’s my family’s favorite meal every time!

5-Star ReviewS

“This was a hit with my family for dinner! And I loved how easy it was to make!”

– Jocelyn

“I love how easy this is to make, and the leftovers are just as delicious as when I first made it!” -Julie

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Step by Step

Cook the Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Then cook 16 ounces of dry spaghetti al dente, per package directions, and drain.

Cooked spaghetti noodles in a glass baking dish,l on a white surface.

Brown the Beef: While the spaghetti cooks, brown 1 pound of ground chuck in a large skillet set over medium heat. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Drain the Beef: Drain the beef and wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove grease.

A hand wiping out a skillet with a paper towel.

Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Then add 1 diced yellow onion and cook until it has softened and becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Add the Garlic: Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Diced onion and minced garlic cooking in a skillet.

Combine Meat Sauce: Add the browned beef, 24 ounces of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of chopped basil, and ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce mixture, and stir until spaghetti is well coated.

Spaghetti noodles and meat sauce combined in a skillet.

Bake the Spaghetti: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella and remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until cheese has melted and the spaghetti is hot throughout. Garnish with the remaining chopped basil to serve.

Spaghetti and meat sauce in a baking dish, topped with shredded mozzarella.

So Cozy

More Spaghetti Recipes to Try

Dinner Recipes

Cincinnati Chili

Is baked spaghetti and lasagna the same?

Nope! Lasagna uses lasagna noodles and has a ricotta layer included.

Do you have to cook pasta before baking?

Yes. Cook the spaghetti to al dente, following the package instructions. Combine this cooked spaghetti with the sauce before baking.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Definitely. Instead of ground beef, try ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage.

Do I cover baked spaghetti while it bakes?

I don’t recommend it – if covered while in the oven, the noodles will steam instead of truly bake, so you’ll end up with a pretty soggy baked spaghetti casserole.

How long is cooked spaghetti good for?

Cooked spaghetti will stay fresh for about 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to freeze baked spaghetti?

Prepare it ahead of time (through step #8), place it in a freezer-safe dish with a tight fitting lid, and freeze for 2-3 months. To bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator, then place it in the oven as instructed to fully bake through.