If there’s one dish that promises pure comfort and effortless joy for both cooks and eaters, it’s Baked Spaghetti. Imagine a golden, bubbling casserole with layers of tender spaghetti, hearty meat sauce, and creamy, melty cheese—each forkful is bound to bring a smile. This recipe transforms classic spaghetti night into something extra special without fuss or complication. Whether you’re gathering family on a busy weeknight or treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, baked spaghetti checks every box for crave-worthy, reliable, and utterly delicious home-cooked food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines with simple, familiar ingredients, each playing a crucial role in taste and comfort. Don’t skip or swap—these picks guarantee every portion is loaded with flavor, creaminess, and just the right amount of cheesy pull.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The backbone of the casserole, choose regular or whole wheat for more texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the meat perfectly.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose your favorite for a robust and savory base.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Sweetens and deepens the sauce as it softens.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Essential for its aromatic kick in the meat sauce.
- Marinara or pasta sauce (1 24oz jar): The shortcut that brings bold tomato flavor without extra steps.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Gives that classic, herby, aromatic Mediterranean touch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors to life and seasons every layer.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of warmth and depth in the sauce.
- Cream cheese, softened (1/2 cup): Melts into the noodles for irresistible silkiness.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and even more creamy body to the pasta.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups): The melting magic that makes baked spaghetti so gooey.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup): For a salty, nutty finishing crust on top.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Sprinkles freshness and color before serving.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti noodles just until al dente, following the package directions. You want them firm since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once they’re ready, drain and set aside—try not to rinse so the sauce clings better later.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While your noodles cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and the diced onion. Break up the meat and let everything brown and get all cozy, about six to eight minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let its aroma bloom for about 30 seconds, then pour in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for five minutes so the flavors can mingle.
Step 3: Mix Noodles with Creaminess
In a large mixing bowl, blend together softened cream cheese and sour cream until totally smooth—you don’t want any lumps. Add in your drained spaghetti and gently toss to coat each strand. This step is the secret to an ultra-rich, creamy baked spaghetti layer.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Spread half the spaghetti mixture on the bottom, follow with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle over half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with your remaining spaghetti, sauce, and mozzarella so you get lovely layers. Shower everything with Parmesan cheese on top for that golden, toasty finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish uncovered into a 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden and those cheesy bits around the edges look too good to resist. When it’s done, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for the ultimate comfort experience.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders for color and a little herby freshness. For extra flair, try a dusting of extra Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving. These little touches wake up all those hearty flavors in the dish.
Side Dishes
Baked Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in Italian dressing—think crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, olives, and maybe a few pepperoncini. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is practically required for scooping up that melty, cheesy tomato sauce. If you want to round out the meal, roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini are also a fantastic addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or gatherings, scoop baked spaghetti into individual ramekins so each guest gets their own bubbling portion. Cut firm slices for a casserole-style presentation, or even offer it as a plated main dish with a swirl of extra sauce and a sprinkle of cheese on top. If kids are involved, let them top their own servings with fun garnishes for a make-your-own dinner night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked spaghetti keeps beautifully! Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the entire dish (but don’t bake it), wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as the recipe directs—plan for a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s still chilly in the center.
Reheating
For single servings, a minute or two in the microwave with a splash of water can bring your baked spaghetti right back to life. If you’re reheating a larger amount, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. If the top looks a little dry, sprinkle on some extra cheese before reheating for that fresh-baked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While classic spaghetti gives great texture, feel free to use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pasta such as penne if that’s what you have on hand. The spirit of the dish stays the same—just adjust the cooking time for your chosen noodle shape.
Is it possible to make baked spaghetti vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the ground beef or sausage and opt for a plant-based substitute or load up your sauce with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. The rest of the recipe remains just as delicious and satisfying.
Can I assemble baked spaghetti in advance?
Yes, baked spaghetti is a champion make-ahead meal. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready—the results will be just as bubbly and irresistible. It’s a lifesaver for busy days or entertaining.
What’s the best way to keep baked spaghetti from drying out?
The creamy mixture of cream cheese and sour cream ensures it stays moist, but if you’re worried, you can cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to let the cheese get golden toward the end. A splash of extra sauce in between layers also helps lock in moisture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Of course! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and double-check that your pasta sauce and other mix-ins are gluten-free. The rest of the dish comes together just as easily, so everyone can dig in worry-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing quite as soul-satisfying or crowd-pleasing as a pan of bubbling, cheesy baked spaghetti. This dish is equal parts nostalgic and practical, the kind of comfort food you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Give it a try and see just how fast it disappears from your table—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti recipe that is perfect for a family dinner. Layers of pasta, a savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream. Toss cooked spaghetti in the mixture.
- Layer: In a greased baking dish, layer spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- For added veggies, mix in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the meat sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
