Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that everyone will love? Try this Easy Baked Spaghetti! It’s a cheesy, comforting casserole layered with savory meat sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or family gatherings, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. If you need quick dinner ideas, healthy snacks, or just some new food inspiration, this baked spaghetti is a must-try. Great for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or reheating for lunch!
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti noodles, uncooked
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
6. In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with 1 cup of the meat sauce.
7. Transfer spaghetti to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Pour remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti in an even layer.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Let cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
For a creamier casserole, add 1 cup of ricotta or cottage cheese between the spaghetti and sauce layers.
You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage—just reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
Keywords: easy dinner, baked spaghetti, comfort food, casserole, family meal