Description

This Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a cheesy, hearty meal that is simple to prepare and sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound uncooked spaghetti

Meat and Sauce

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

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

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack to the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning of the cheese topping.
Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions, ensuring it remains slightly firm to avoid overcooking during baking. Drain and transfer the spaghetti to a 9×13 inch casserole or baking dish.
Prepare beef mixture: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped onion, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). If the beef is very lean and releases little fat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add garlic and sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and let it warm through for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish for uniform baking.
Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta and meat sauce mixture. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for browning (optional): For a golden-brown cheesy crust, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to set the dish for easier serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then cut into squares and serve warm.

Notes

Cooking the spaghetti slightly under al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of red pepper during cooking.
Lean ground beef is recommended to avoid excess grease; however, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
The blend of cheeses can be adjusted to your preference; using all mozzarella or adding provolone works well.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Italian

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