Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Baked Spaghetti is a favorite casserole around here! A quick zesty meat sauce is combined with tomatoes and spaghetti and topped with cheese. This spaghetti casserole is baked in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Just like stuffed shells, this easy recipe is perfect served with crusty bread, homemade Garlic Butter and a Caesar Salad.

This easy baked spaghetti casserole is a family favorite that is loaded with flavor! We love Italian flavors from Easy Meatballs to a simple bruschetta and this cheesy casserole is no exception!

While Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole contains a lot of cheese in the spaghetti mixture (like cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta), this recipe is simple has pasta and sauce with a little bit of cheese on top.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is easy to make, simply prepare the meat sauce, toss with spaghetti and bake until bubbly. The prep can be done then night before and then baked before serving making this baked spaghetti the perfect potluck dish!

The cheese on top gets golden and crusty making for amazing flavor! Make sure your spaghetti is cooked al dente as the noodles do cook a bit more in the oven and you don’t want them to get mushy.

One great thing about this recipe is that you can add whatever you like to the sauce. If you don’t like green pepper, skip it and add diced mushrooms or zucchini. You can easily adjust this to your liking and add more or less sauce if you’d prefer.

Since the pasta and the sauce are warm when I put this dish together, it usually takes about 25 minutes or so to bake in the oven. If you prep it ahead of time and refrigerate, it’ll take a bit longer. Remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking and bake about 35 minutes or until hot in the centre.

I never cover baked spaghetti because the crusty cheese on top is my favorite part! Covering this dish also makes it steam which can overcook the spaghetti.

Serve this with a side salad and garlic toast for an easy meal. This easy casserole is great leftover and freezes perfectly!

Baked Spaghetti

This easy baked spaghetti casserole is a family favorite that is easy to prepare!

Prep: 25min

Total: 55min

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 413 kcal, Carbohydrate 53 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 1054 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 9 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces spaghetti (cooked)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese (shredded )
• 1 pound ground beef (or italian sausage)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 green pepper (diced)
• 32 ounces pasta sauce
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes

Instruction:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown meat, onion, garlic, seasoning and green pepper over medium heat making sure to break up the meat very well. (Drain any fat if needed).
3. Add pasta sauce, Italian seasoning and tomatoes to meat. Simmer 5-10 minutes uncovered. Stir in spaghetti and parsley.
4. Spread into a 9×13 pan, top with cheeses and bake 25-30 minutes or until hot and cheese is browned and bubbly. Cut into squares to serve.

Favorite Baked Spaghetti

This baked spaghetti is my grandchildren’s most-loved dish. It feels like such a special dinner and is so cozy for winter. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland

Prep: 25min

Total: 01h25min

Yield: 10 servings.

Nutrition Facts: calories 526 calories, Fat 24g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 127mg cholesterol, Sodium 881mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 31g protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup grated BelGioioso Parmesan Cheese
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups 4% cottage cheese
• 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh basil, optional

Instruction:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook spaghetti according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, 6-8 minutes, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in pasta sauce and seasoned salt; set aside., In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat., Place half the spaghetti mixture in a greased 13×9-in. or 3-qt. baking dish. Top with half the cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet., Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, 20-25 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with basil.

Baked Spaghetti

This easy baked spaghetti recipe is the classic comfort food you need for weeknight dinner.

Prep: 15min

Total: 1h

Yield: 6 serving(s)

Nutrition Facts: calories 684 Calories, Fat 31 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 798 mg, Carbohydrate 65 g, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 9 g, Protein 32 g

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 16 oz. spaghetti
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. ground beef
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 c. basil, chopped
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instruction:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain fat in a bowl lined with paper towels and return to pan. Pour in crushed tomatoes and basil and simmer until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss with spaghetti, then transfer to baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and pasta is warmed through, about 20 minutes.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is layered with a rich, meaty sauce, dollops of creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella. A comforting, nostalgic meal that is guaranteed family-friendly!

Prep: 20min

Total: 60min

Yield: 6

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: Trans Fat 0.5 g, calories 553 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 41 g, Fat 24 g, Saturated Fat 12 g, Cholesterol 122 mg, Sodium 1380 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 8 g, unSaturated Fat 10 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (broken in half)
• 1 pound 90 to 92% lean ground beef
• ½ cup diced white or yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 15 ounce can diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• ¾ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese ((about 8 ounces) divided)

Instruction:

1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the bottom of a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.’, ‘name’: ‘Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the bottom of a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/#wprm-recipe-55972-step-0-0’}
2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Prepare the Pasta and Meat Sauce’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Boil the spaghetti in salted water about 1 to 2 minutes shy of package directions.’, ‘name’: ‘Boil the spaghetti in salted water about 1 to 2 minutes shy of package directions.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/#wprm-recipe-55972-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Meanwhile, cook the ground beef with the onion in a large skillet over MEDIUM heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When no pink remains, drain off the grease. Return the pan to the heat and add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for a minute or two. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and parsley. Reduce the heat to LOW and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes.’, ‘name’: ‘Meanwhile, cook the ground beef with the onion in a large skillet over MEDIUM heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When no pink remains, drain off the grease. Return the pan to the heat and add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for a minute or two. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and parsley. Reduce the heat to LOW and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/#wprm-recipe-55972-step-1-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Drain the cooked spaghetti well and return it to the warm, empty pot (off the heat). Add the olive oil and using tongs, toss the spaghetti until well coated with oil. Add the lightly beaten egg and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese and toss again until well distributed.’, ‘name’: ‘Drain the cooked spaghetti well and return it to the warm, empty pot (off the heat). Add the olive oil and using tongs, toss the spaghetti until well coated with oil. Add the lightly beaten egg and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese and toss again until well distributed.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/#wprm-recipe-55972-step-1-2’}]}
3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Assemble the Casserole’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Spread half the spaghetti mixture in the prepared dish and top with half of the meat sauce (be sure to save enough sauce for the final layer). Drop small dollops of the ricotta (using the whole amount) over the top to evenly cover the casserole. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, mozzarella and finish with the remaining Parmesan.’, ‘name’: ‘Spread half the spaghetti mixture in the prepared dish and top with half of the meat sauce (be sure to save enough sauce for the final layer). Drop small dollops of the ricotta (using the whole amount) over the top to evenly cover the casserole. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, mozzarella and finish with the remaining Parmesan.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/#wprm-recipe-55972-step-2-0’}]}
4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Bake’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Coat the underside of a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover the dish, coated side down. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until bubbly.’, ‘name’: ‘Coat the underside of a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover the dish, coated side down. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until bubbly.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/#wprm-recipe-55972-step-3-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.’, ‘name’: ‘Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/#wprm-recipe-55972-step-3-1’}]}

How To Make THE BEST Baked Spaghetti | Easy & Cheesy Spaghetti Recipe #MrMakeItHappen

FAQ

How is baked spaghetti different?

How does Paula Deen make spaghetti?

1. 8 oz uncooked angel hair pasta.
2. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
3. 1 1/2 lbs ground beef.
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons Paula Deen’s House Seasoning.
5. 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
6. 1 1/2 teaspoons Paula Deen Seasoned Salt.
7. 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
8. 2 cups tomato sauce.

How to spice up spaghetti and meat sauce?

1. 1 – Extra virgin olive oil. Adding a good amount of a flavorful olive oil will go a long way in infusing flavor into your sauce. …
2. 2 – Fresh garlic. …
3. 3 – Meat. …
4. 4 – Hot pepper flakes. …
5. 5 – Red wine. …
6. 6 – Fresh or dried herbs. …
7. 7 – Cheese. …
8. 8 – Cream and/or butter.

How do you spruce up spaghetti dinner?

1. Avocado Sauce. Go green with your pasta bowl. …
2. Add a Fried Egg. This is a love story of when breakfast meets dinner. …
3. Mix in Roasted Vegetables. Roasted vegetables are the secret to spunking up that box of pasta. …
4. Experiment with Spices. …
5. Have Zoodles of Fun. …
6. Add Proteins. …
7. Go Mediterranean. …
8. Make It Creamy.