Easy & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

If there’s a dish that screams comfort food, it’s baked spaghetti. Imagine tender strands of pasta coated in rich, savory marinara, layered with juicy seasoned beef, and blanketed in melty, gooey cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with that irresistible aroma of garlic, tomato, and melted cheese, making everyone gather around the table before it’s even served.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal without fuss. The combination of sharp cheddar, Italian cheese blend, and parmesan creates a cheesy, satisfying bake that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for pasta night.

Recipe Origin

Baked spaghetti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish, often served at family dinners or potlucks. This version keeps it simple while maximizing flavor with layers of cheese, seasoned beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it accessible without compromising on richness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling spaghetti
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or freezing for later.

Quick and Easy

Simple steps with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Crowd-Pleasing

Cheesy, flavorful, and hearty—both kids and adults will love it.

Customizable

Adjust spices, swap meats, or try different cheese blends to suit your taste.

Budget-Friendly

Uses pantry staples and a jar of marinara for an impressive dish without breaking the bank.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Cook the pasta al dente: It will continue to bake in the oven and soak up the sauce without becoming mushy.
• Season the beef well: Garlic paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes add layers of flavor.
• Layer your cheeses: Mixing Italian blend with sharp cheddar creates gooeyness with punchy flavor.
• Use quality marinara: A flavorful sauce like Rao’s elevates the dish effortlessly.
• Let it rest: Allow the baked spaghetti to sit 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and plating.

Ingredients in Easy & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

Olive Oil

Used to sauté onions and beef, giving a smooth base for the sauce.

Ground Beef

Juicy and savory, forms the hearty protein layer in the dish.

Yellow Onion

Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic and spices.

Italian Seasoning

A fragrant mix that enhances the tomato sauce and beef.

Red Pepper Flakes

Optional heat that complements the richness of the dish.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper

Season everything perfectly to taste.

Garlic Paste

Provides intense, aromatic garlic flavor throughout.

Brown Sugar

Balances acidity in the marinara sauce for a harmonious flavor.

Marinara Sauce

Rich, savory, and tomato-forward, coating every strand of spaghetti.

Spaghetti

Cooked al dente for the perfect bite and layered texture.

Italian Cheese Blend

Melted in the bake for creamy, gooey goodness.

Sharp Cheddar

Adds bold, tangy flavor and helps create a golden crust.

Parmesan

Sprinkled for savory depth, both in the bake and as a garnish.

Fresh Parsley (Optional)

Brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbal note.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to give your baked spaghetti a golden, bubbly finish.

Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.

Build the Sauce

Stir in brown sugar and marinara sauce, simmering for a few minutes until flavors meld beautifully.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing until all noodles are coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the Italian cheese blend and half of the sharp cheddar. Layer the remaining pasta on top, then add the remaining cheeses. Finish with parmesan over the top.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Finishing Touches

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

Dish out generous portions of cheesy, hearty spaghetti and watch it disappear fast.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~550–600
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Easy & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

• As a Main: Serve straight from the baking dish with extra parmesan on top.
• With a Side Salad: Crisp greens with vinaigrette cut through the richness beautifully.
• With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every bit of cheesy sauce.
• Family-Style: Bake in a dish and bring to the table for everyone to help themselves.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Cook pasta and sauce, then assemble before baking.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain gooey texture.
• Freeze: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish without cheese, freeze up to 2 months, then thaw and top with cheese before baking.

Variations to Try

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, sausage, or a meatless substitute.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
• Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella or fontina for different textures.
• Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
• Gluten-Free: Swap spaghetti for gluten-free pasta.

Additional Tips

• Stir pasta gently with the sauce to prevent breaking noodles.
• For extra crispiness, broil the top 2–3 minutes at the end.
• Adjust seasoning at the end for maximum flavor balance.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.
Q2: Can I prepare this in advance?
A2: Yes, assemble it up to a day before baking and refrigerate.
Q3: Can I use jarred garlic instead of paste?
A3: Absolutely—2 teaspoons minced garlic is a good substitute.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes, just use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q6: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A6: Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work beautifully.
Q7: Can I make it less cheesy?
A7: Reduce the amount of cheese, but the dish is best when indulgent.
Q8: Can I use a different sauce?
A8: Yes, any marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce works.
Q9: Can I add extra vegetables?
A9: Definitely—spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.
Q10: Can I make it spicy?
A10: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Conclusion

Easy & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is comfort food at its finest: hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to impress family and friends. With layers of tender pasta, savory beef, and melted cheeses, every bite is pure satisfaction. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a dinner that everyone will love. This one’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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