Baked Spaghetti is a comforting classic that brings families together at the dinner table. This delightful dish is a perfect fusion of Italian-American cuisine, combining flavorful spaghetti with rich marinara sauce, ground beef, and gooey cheese. It’s the type of meal that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Baked spaghetti is versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized to suit various tastes. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious cheesy spaghetti bake that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Protein:
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• Vegetables (optional):
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnishing)

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. If using, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until evenly distributed.
6. Assemble the dish: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and if using, scatter cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your Baked Spaghetti, consider these helpful tips: You can learn more about this topic.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve.
• Avoiding dryness: If you find that your baked spaghetti is too dry, consider adding a splash of marinara sauce before baking.
• Mix-in suggestions: Feel free to add in vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Using different meats: For those who prefer a different protein, substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Variations

Experiment with your Baked Spaghetti by trying these variations: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with extra vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to cater to dietary restrictions.
• Creamy twist: For a creamy baked spaghetti, add a layer of cream cheese or ricotta cheese to the mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Spaghetti is delightful on its own but can be paired with:

• A side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic bread for a classic Italian touch.
• A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or a light-bodied Pinot Noir, to enhance the meal.

With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, Baked Spaghetti is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress and satisfy. Give it a try, and enjoy the comfort of a homemade Italian baked pasta meal!

Baked Spaghetti

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Italian-American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

6

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

400 kcal

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Baked Spaghetti is a comforting classic that brings families together at the dinner table. This delightful dish is a perfect fusion of Italian-American cuisine, combining flavorful spaghetti with rich marinara sauce, ground beef, and gooey cheese. It's the type of meal that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Baked spaghetti is versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized to suit various tastes. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious cheesy spaghetti bake that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnishing)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. If using, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain excess fat.

4.

Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until evenly distributed.

6.

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and if using, scatter cheddar cheese on top.

7.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Reviews

• hassan★★★★★May 23, 2026

  Excellent recipe!

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