If you love classic spaghetti but want something even more comforting, cheesy, and crowd-friendly, this baked spaghetti casserole is the recipe to make. It has everything people crave: tender spaghetti noodles, a rich meat sauce, and a thick, melted cheese layer baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with the best smell, feeds a hungry family, and tastes even better the next day.
This bake is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and meal prep. You can assemble it ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when you’re ready. It also freezes beautifully, making it one of the best easy pasta casserole recipes to keep in your back pocket.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Cheesy and satisfying comfort food
- Great for meal prep and freezer meals
- Feeds a crowd and stretches budget-friendly ingredients
- Customizable with different meats, cheeses, and add-ins
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses classic pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
For the pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (to prevent sticking)
For the meat sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24–28 oz marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for thicker sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For the cheesy layers
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 large egg (to bind the ricotta layer)
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar for extra richness
Optional add-ins
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 cups fresh spinach (stir into sauce until wilted)
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole (Step-by-Step)
This is a simple method, but the layers make it feel special.
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish. - Cook the spaghetti
Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and toss with a little butter or olive oil so it stays loose. - Make the meat sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5–10 minutes to build flavor. - Mix the ricotta layer
In a bowl, stir ricotta (or cottage cheese) with the egg and parmesan. This layer makes the casserole creamy and helps it slice nicely. - Assemble the casserole
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish.
- Add half the spaghetti, then spoon half the ricotta mixture over it.
- Add more meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella.
- Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and top with lots of mozzarella (and cheddar if using).
- Bake until bubbly
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until cheese is melted and lightly browned. - Rest before serving
Let the baked spaghetti sit 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and makes serving easier.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
- Undercook noodles slightly so they don’t get mushy in the oven.
- Simmer the sauce for deeper flavor and a thicker texture.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest layer.
- Add extra cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
- Let it rest before serving for clean slices.
Easy Variations
Make this casserole your own with quick swaps.
1) Baked Spaghetti with Italian Sausage
Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for a bold, restaurant-style flavor.
2) Creamy Baked Spaghetti
Stir 1/2 cup sour cream into the ricotta layer for extra creaminess.
3) Vegetable Baked Spaghetti
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce for a hearty veggie boost.
4) Spicy Baked Spaghetti
Add crushed red pepper flakes and use spicy sausage or hot marinara.
5) Three Cheese Baked Spaghetti
Use mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for a deeper cheesy flavor.
What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti
This dish is rich and filling, so pair it with lighter sides.
- Green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing
To store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes (covered), or microwave individual portions. Add a spoonful of sauce if it looks dry.
To freeze:
Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, add extra bake time and keep it covered longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready (add 5–10 minutes to cooking time if cold).
Can I use different pasta?
Yes. Angel hair is too delicate, but linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Use enough sauce, cover with foil for the first part of baking, and don’t overcook the noodles.
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