Our family LOVES spaghetti. It tastes delicious, it is simple to make and you really can’t mess it up! This baked spaghetti recipe is a fun twist! You get all the flavors of a traditional stove-top spaghetti dish, but the flavors combine just a bit more and the the melty cheese is amazing!
Tender spaghetti is tossed in a rich, savory meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey melted cheese, then baked to perfection. It’s an easy, make-ahead meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Recipe
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for feeding a hungry family or guests.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
✔️ Extra Cheesy & Flavorful – Layers of melty mozzarella and parmesan take it to the next level!
Baked Spaghetti Ingredients
This recipe serves 8 people and requires simple, pantry-friendly ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) box spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (32 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, divided
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh or dried basil (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Baked Spaghetti
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break spaghetti in half (this makes serving easier) and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Spaghetti
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer with 1 cup ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, and half of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers, reserving 1 cup of mozzarella for later.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella, and bake uncovered for 20 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil, serve warm, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti
- Use Ground Turkey or Sausage – Swap out beef for turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole a day in advance, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly – Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour.
This cheesy baked spaghetti is a comforting, hearty dish that your family will ask for again and again! If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let us know how you liked it.
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 32 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, divided
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- basil, fresh or dried, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break spaghetti in half or thirds (this will make serving easier) and add the noodles to boiling water. Cook for 12 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain and return to the pot.
- Meanwhile, cook beef and onion in a skillet over medium/high heat, stirring until meat is browned and onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat and return to the skillet.
- Add spaghetti sauce and salt to the meat mixture, stir until combined, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, and butter. Add spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Place 1/2 of the spaghetti mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, and 1/2 of the meat sauce. Repeat layers, reserving 1 cup of mozzarella..
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
- Continue baking for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly bubbly brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Other Notes
Here are a few more of my favorite comfort foods:
