The Best Homemade Baked Spaghetti Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This baked spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining comfort food with easy prep for a stress-free meal. You’ll love how it turns simple ingredients into something special.

• Cheesy goodness: Layers of melty mozzarella and Parmesan make every bite irresistible.
• Easy cleanup: One dish means less mess, so you spend more time enjoying dinner.
• Perfect for leftovers: It reheats like a dream, tasting even better the next day.

Recipe

Homemade baked spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce. Toss until well coated.
6. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. If using ricotta cheese, dollop it evenly over the spaghetti.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or substitute with plant-based ground meat.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl

Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Cuisine:

Italian-American

Serving:

6-8 servings

Nutrition

This baked spaghetti recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s the breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving my baked spaghetti with warm, buttery garlic bread—it’s the perfect crunchy contrast to the cheesy pasta. A fresh green salad on the side adds a light, crisp bite that balances the meal. Trust me, these pairings make the dish feel complete without stealing the spotlight.

Garlic Bread Pairing

Since baked spaghetti is already rich and comforting, garlic bread makes the perfect side—it’s crispy, buttery, and just bold enough to stand up to the dish without stealing the show. I love experimenting with garlic bread variations, like adding Parmesan or fresh herbs, to make it extra special. Sometimes, I’ll even toast slices of ciabatta or baguette brushed with garlic butter for a rustic twist. If I’m in a hurry, garlic bread alternatives like garlic knots or cheesy pull-apart rolls work just as well. Either way, it’s that garlicky goodness that ties everything together, making the meal feel complete.

Fresh Green Salad

When you’re serving something as hearty as baked spaghetti, a fresh green salad brings balance to the plate, adding a crisp, revitalizing contrast. I love tossing together organic ingredients like baby spinach, arugula, and crunchy romaine—whatever’s freshest at the market. Seasonal produce, like cherry tomatoes in summer or sliced apples in fall, makes it even better. A simple vinaigrette with olive oil and lemon ties it all together. It’s light, rejuvenating, and cuts through the richness of the pasta. Plus, it’s so easy to customize—throw in some nuts or cheese if you’re feeling fancy!