Easy Baked Spaghetti

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Easy Baked Spaghetti brings together everything we love about pasta and casseroles into one delicious, cheesy dish. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and tastes even better the next day. Layers of tender spaghetti, hearty meat sauce, and melty cheese all baked to bubbly perfection—it’s a weeknight hero.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to batch-cook for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes. It freezes well, reheats beautifully, and the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients to make it feel special. If you’ve got spaghetti, some beef, and cheese, you’re halfway there.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Spaghetti

This dish is more than just a pasta bake. It combines the richness of a slow-cooked meat sauce with the gooey comfort of a cheese-laden casserole. You’ll love how it brings everyone to the table without needing hours in the kitchen. It’s satisfying, kid-approved, and flexible—swap in sausage, ground turkey, or even go meatless if you’d like.

It’s also a great option for make-ahead meals. Prepare it in the morning or the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Can I Use Any Kind of Spaghetti for This Recipe?

Yes! While classic spaghetti noodles are the traditional pick, you can easily swap in angel hair, linguine, or even gluten-free varieties. Just make sure to cook your pasta slightly al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. This keeps everything perfectly textured and prevents mushiness.

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Ingredients for the Easy Baked Spaghetti

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples that pack big flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish comforting and crave-worthy.

• Spaghetti
  The base of the dish, cooked al dente so it holds up during baking.
• Ground beef
  Adds heartiness and depth to the meat sauce.
• Marinara sauce
  A jarred or homemade sauce works here—pick your favorite for the main flavor.
• Egg
  Acts as a binder for the pasta mixture to keep the layers intact.
• Parmesan cheese
  Brings a salty, nutty note that balances the sauce and complements the mozzarella.
• Mozzarella cheese
  For that irresistible, gooey cheese pull with every bite.
• Italian seasoning
  Gives the dish those classic herbs and flavor notes without overcomplicating.
• Salt and pepper
  Essential for seasoning every layer just right.

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How To Make the Easy Baked Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain it and set aside. The pasta should still have a little bite since it will cook further in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Mix the Pasta

In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with a beaten egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and some Italian seasoning. This step helps create a structured base layer once baked.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers can set.

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How to Serve and Store Baked Spaghetti

This Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe feeds about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size. It’s ideal for a family dinner or a cozy weekend lunch with leftovers guaranteed. To store, cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats wonderfully in the oven or microwave.

If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge and warm through.

What to Serve With Easy Baked Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

The classic pairing that never disappoints. A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect way to scoop up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with creamy dressing offers a fresh, crunchy contrast to the cheesy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting brings out the sweetness in broccoli and adds a bit of charred flavor to balance the richness of the spaghetti.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic is a refreshing side to this hearty dish.

Sauteed Spinach

Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic adds a healthy green element to the table without overpowering.

Balsamic Green Beans

A quick side with a tangy twist to offset the savory meat and cheese.

Red Wine (for the grown-ups)

A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with the tomato base.

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Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you love this Easy Baked Spaghetti, try out these other cozy pasta favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe with a velvety finish that feels like a warm hug.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a no-bake twist with similar cozy vibes.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you want bold, savory flavor in every bite.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta to switch it up with creamy white sauce.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, satisfying dinner all in one pan.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your Easy Baked Spaghetti turned out! Did you layer in extra cheese? Use a spicy marinara? I love seeing how everyone makes these dishes their own. Feel free to drop questions too—let’s make weeknight meals easier together.

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