Description

This Easy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a savory ground beef marinara sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and optionally broiled for a golden cheese crust, this dish is a family-friendly, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare on a weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound uncooked spaghetti

Meat Sauce

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)

Cheese Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third to ensure even baking and browning later on.
Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for two minutes less than the package instructions to keep it slightly firm. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish.
Prepare the meat sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. If the beef is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help cook the onions. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add garlic and marinara: Stir the minced garlic into the beef mixture and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and warm it through, stirring occasionally for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the beef and marinara mixture over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, then smooth the mixture into an even layer.
Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and freshly grated parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional broil and rest: For a nicely browned cheese crust, switch to the broiler for a few minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning. Allow the baked spaghetti to sit for 5-10 minutes to set before cutting into squares and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Cooking spaghetti for two minutes less than package instructions helps prevent mushiness during baking.
Using a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan offers a balanced cheesy flavor and good melt.
You can adjust the red pepper flakes amount or omit them based on your preferred spice level.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold its shape for easier serving.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but is optional.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked spaghetti, spaghetti casserole, easy dinner, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta bake, weeknight dinner