Description
This classic Baked Spaghetti recipe layers perfectly cooked spaghetti with a savory ground beef marinara sauce and a blend of creamy cheeses, creating a comforting and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners. With a golden bubbly topping and optional fresh parsley garnish, this dish offers rich Italian-American flavors and can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese and Eggs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are soft, approximately 6–8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release the aromas. Pour in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix Cheese and Spaghetti: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the egg and cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese across the top, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, creating a second layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top, creating a perfect crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it great for meal prepping or busy days.
- For added flavor, substitute ground Italian sausage for ground beef.
- Swap the ricotta cheese with cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Use fresh parsley or basil as garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
