This Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort food. Layers of tender spaghetti, rich homemade meat sauce, and melted cheese are baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a family dinner recipe that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights or Sunday gatherings.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for pasta lovers, busy parents looking for an easy make-ahead dinner, or anyone craving a cheesy baked pasta dish that feels both homestyle and restaurant-worthy. It’s also perfect for potlucks, meal prep, and feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love It
- A classic comfort food pasta bake with big flavor.
- Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples.
- Freezer-friendly for future dinners.
- A guaranteed family favorite—even picky eaters love it!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the meat sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook ground beef with onion until browned. Add garlic, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Layer the bake
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread half the spaghetti. Top with half the meat sauce and half the cheeses. Repeat layers.
- Bake until bubbly
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve & enjoy
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet for sauce
- 9×13 baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before baking (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different pasta?
Yes—penne, rigatoni, or ziti work great for a pasta bake.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Definitely—assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I make it creamier?
Add ricotta or cream cheese between the pasta layers for a baked spaghetti casserole twist.
Conclusion
This Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor—the perfect family-friendly pasta bake recipe. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, ready to enjoy a slice of homestyle comfort.
Enjoy !!
