If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you have to try this Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe. It brings together hearty ground meat, creamy cheese, and rich marinara sauce layered perfectly over tender spaghetti, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the al dente pasta to the creamy, melted cheeses and savory seasoned meat sauce, every item is essential for creating that irresistible baked pasta experience.
- 1 pound spaghetti: Choose regular or whole wheat for a classic pasta base that holds up well to baking.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides savory, meaty flavor and richness—Italian sausage adds a nice herby kick.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: This tomato base brings acidity and sweetness to balance the dish.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Adds a lush, creamy texture that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Perfect for that gooey, melty cheese layer everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that enhances depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brightens and spices the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, green garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure your baked spaghetti layers slide out easily when serving.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti Until Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to be layered with all the delicious sauce and cheese.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked and nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy but leave enough for flavor.
Step 4: Create the Rich Sauce
To the browned meat, add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream Cheese
Now for a luscious twist — stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely, transforming the sauce into a creamy, indulgent blend that will make each bite wonderfully smooth.
Step 6: Layer the Spaghetti and Sauce
In your prepared baking dish, start with half the spaghetti. Spread half the sauce mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This creates the first cheesy, saucy layer that will bake into a perfect crust.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This layering ensures every serving has plenty of cheesy, saucy goodness throughout.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat everything through thoroughly. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the top cheese layer to turn golden and bubbly — the hallmark of an irresistible baked pasta.
Step 9: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your baked spaghetti rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve perfectly portioned, gooey slices. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a simple yet beautiful garnish for this dish. Besides looking bright and inviting, it adds a mild herbal note that balances the richness. You could also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light Caesar salad or sautéed broccoli creates a lovely contrast to the cheesy pasta’s richness without overpowering its comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To make family dinners or gatherings feel even more special, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets. This not only looks charming but also keeps the baked spaghetti extra warm right at the table, inviting everyone to dig in happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or a second comforting dinner without any hassle.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a microwave works well for quick reheating—just cover the dish to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the gluten-free pasta according to its package instructions as they can differ. The dish will be just as delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive friends or family.
Can I substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian option?
Yes! You can swap in plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly twist without losing the hearty texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, try using dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives. The marinara and spices will still create a flavorful dish with a slightly different but enjoyable texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or choose a spicy Italian sausage to bring some heat. You can also top with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce when serving to customize the spice level.
What’s the best way to reheat the baked spaghetti without drying it out?
Cover the dish with foil and reheat it in the oven at a moderate temperature. This keeps moisture locked in so the pasta stays tender and the cheese remains melty.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a no-fuss, delicious way to bring people together around a table packed with cheesy, savory goodness. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe promises comforting flavors that everyone will ask for again and again. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy pasta classic!
Print
Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe is a comforting and cheesy Italian-inspired casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender spaghetti, flavorful ground beef or Italian sausage, and a rich marinara sauce blended with cream cheese and Italian seasoning, then topped with layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection. Simple to prepare, this dish serves 8 and brings a delicious, hearty meal to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture & Toppings
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the baked spaghetti doesn’t stick.
- Cook spaghetti. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain it well and set aside for layering.
- Brown the meat. In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Simmer sauce with seasoning. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the browned meat in the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Melt in cream cheese. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Layer the casserole. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly, then cover with half of the meat and sauce mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Repeat layers. Add the remaining half of the spaghetti, followed by the rest of the sauce mixture, and then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake covered. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt cheese.
- Bake uncovered to brown. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and garnish. Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage for a more robust flavor or ground beef for a classic taste.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.
- The dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
