The Coziest Baked Spaghetti Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering baked spaghetti recipe that promises to delight every pasta enthusiast.

Layers of melted cheese, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles create a symphony of flavors.

The dish brings together classic Italian ingredients with a modern twist that makes dinner feel special.

Tender pasta bakes to golden perfection under a blanket of gooey cheese and savory sauce.

Each forkful delivers a hearty combination of textures that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Serve this crowd-pleasing meal and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table.

Prepare to savor a pasta experience that turns an ordinary evening into a delicious celebration.

Why Baked Spaghetti Brings Comfort Home

• Tackle Tender Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and creates melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps every bite juicy and delicious.
• Craft a Gourmet Meal: The combination of white wine, mushrooms, and Asiago cheese transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Master One-Pan Magic: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and creating a luxurious creamy sauce, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Swap mushrooms for your favorite vegetables or adjust cheese quantities to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.

What’s Needed for Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the base for this hearty baked dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy and rich texture to the spaghetti mixture.

• Ground Beef: Provides a savory protein base for the recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: Brings a classic Italian tomato flavor to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a melty, golden-brown topping that adds delicious cheesy goodness.
• Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance the overall flavor profile with a blend of spices and seasonings.

• Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and cooking the ground beef.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh, aromatic garnish to complete the dish.

Steps for Making Baked Spaghetti Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pasta Preparation

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti exactly as the package suggests.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Meat Magic

Heat butter in the same pot over medium-high heat.

• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked.

Step 4: Sauce Symphony

Pour marinara sauce into the beef and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and gently fold in the cooked spaghetti and creamy ricotta cheese.

Step 5: Cheese Explosion

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the buttered baking dish.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling, roughly 30 minutes.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some freshly torn basil leaves on top before serving.

Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Notes for Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Fans

• Enhance ground beef's taste by seasoning generously with garlic and onion powder before browning.
• Cook spaghetti slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy results.
• Let baked spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for healthier or vegetarian options.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating in the oven for best texture.

Tasty Swaps for Baked Spaghetti Lovers

• Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable marinara sauce and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste. Incorporate fresh oregano and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta. Reduce cheese quantity and increase protein content with lean ground turkey or chicken.

What Pairs Well With Baked Spaghetti

• Complement Crisp Salad: Toss a fresh green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy baked spaghetti.
• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the savory beef and tomato flavors of the dish.
• Serve Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Refresh with Sparkling Drink: Offer a chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light Italian soda to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.

Storing Baked Spaghetti for Easy Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed properly, baked spaghetti stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen baked spaghetti maintains quality for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this baked spaghetti recipe. The seasoning and cooking method remain the same.

• Is this dish spicy because of red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the spaghetti just until al dente before mixing with other ingredients. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture during baking.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the baked spaghetti earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Baked Spaghetti casserole brings Italian comfort to family dinner tables with layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Hearty portions promise satisfying meals that wrap you in warm, delicious memories of home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additions:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) salted butter, plus more for greasing
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In the same pot, melt butter over medium-high heat and add ground beef with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
4. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 7 minutes.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, stirring to combine, and simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Remove from heat and gently fold in cooked spaghetti and ricotta cheese, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to the buttered baking dish, creating an even layer.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top of the dish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
10. Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that works perfectly for health-conscious eaters.
• Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can replace basil, offering versatile flavor profiles and allowing personal taste customization.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes sparingly or omit completely for kid-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg