If there’s one dish that always sparks joy around my table, it’s Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite. Think fork-twirling bundles of pasta layered with saucy meat, melty cheese, and just the right touch of spice — all cozying up together in a casserole that’s impossible to resist. This is the meal that gathers everyone in the kitchen, promising nostalgic comfort and bubbly, golden perfection in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for the ultimate make-ahead weeknight answer, this cheesy spaghetti bake is ready to become a cherished classic in your home too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite lies in everyday staples, all working their magic together. Every ingredient matters, blending flavors and textures for that crowd-pleasing finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Spaghetti (12 ounces, cooked and drained): The backbone of the dish, so choose a quality brand and be careful not to overcook.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics, amplifying flavor right from the start.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty, savory depth—swap for Italian sausage if you’re craving extra zest.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Delivers sweetness and a gentle aromatic base that infuses every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that warm, comforting Italian vibe.
- Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version for a robust, tomato-rich sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Dried herbs elevate the sauce with classic notes of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle in for a gentle, family-friendly heat—adjust to taste.
- Eggs (2, beaten): The secret for binding the spaghetti, ensuring set, sliceable layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps the pasta crisp up on the edges.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Provides that gooey, stretchy, irresistible cheese pull.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skimp—season each component to make every forkful sing.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): The finishing touch for a pop of fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F. Give your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil. This little move not only keeps cleanup easy but also helps those delicious edges get golden instead of sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Warm up a large skillet with your olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook until beautifully browned, breaking it up as you go—about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in your onion and garlic, then continue cooking until they’re soft and fragrant, infusing the meat with their sweet aroma. This is where the kitchen starts to smell like home!
Step 3: Craft the Perfect Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, plus a dash of salt and pepper. Stir and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes. This short simmer melts all the flavors together into a cozy, savory sauce that’s just waiting to nestle into your pasta.
Step 4: Mix Spaghetti, Eggs, and Parmesan
In a big bowl, add your cooked spaghetti, then pour in the beaten eggs and grated Parmesan. Toss until every strand glistens, evenly coated. The eggs help the spaghetti set up into glorious slices, and the Parmesan helps deepen those classic Italian notes.
Step 5: Layer Like a Pro
It’s time to assemble! Spread half the spaghetti mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half the meat sauce, then shower with half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once more so every bite gets a bit of everything. The layering turns humble ingredients into pure magic, trust me.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish with foil to keep all that moisture in and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for cheese that’s bubbling and deliciously golden around the edges—your nose will tell you it’s ready!
Step 7: Rest, Slice, Garnish, and Serve
As tempting as it is to dive right in, let your Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps everything set up beautifully for those iconic slices. Sprinkle with chopped parsley right before serving for that vibrant finish.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite
Garnishes
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite is very much at home with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a handful of torn basil, or even a fine snowfall of extra Parmesan on top. Sometimes I like to dust on a little extra red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper for those who love a bit of zip. The goal is to add a burst of color and just a hint of freshness to balance the richness underneath.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves good company! Pair it with a simple Caesar salad, a fresh garden salad, or a side of garlicky roasted broccoli to round out the meal. And don’t forget the garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls to sop up any bits of sauce left behind—kids and adults alike always fight for those extras.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, I slice and serve Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite right from the baking dish, letting everyone help themselves. If you’re hosting, try baking in individual ramekins for personal portions, or serve it in wedges like a pie topped with fun colored mini tomatoes and a basil leaf. Leftover slices make top-notch lunchbox fillers too—just wrap in foil and reheat for a happy surprise the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite stores like a dream. Simply cover the cooled dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after a night in the fridge, so tomorrow’s lunch could taste even better!
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, assemble the entire casserole (before baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed. You can also freeze individual baked portions wrapped well—perfect for easy one-person dinners on hectic nights.
Reheating
To reheat, cover a slice with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Or, microwave uncovered portions on medium power until warm and melty. For frozen casseroles, bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding some extra time as needed—the cheese will get gooey and golden once again!
FAQs
Can I make Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and sauté diced mushrooms or zucchini with the onion and garlic, or use plant-based ground “meat.” The rest of the recipe stays the same and you’ll still get all those delicious flavors and textures.
Is there an easy way to make this ahead for a busy weeknight?
Yes! You can assemble everything (unbaked), cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. On the day you want to serve, just pop it straight into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming from the fridge. Dinner is ready with zero chaos!
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Of course. While traditional spaghetti gives that iconic texture, feel free to swap for linguine, penne, or any other favorite pasta shape you have on hand. Just cook until al dente and follow the same recipe steps.
What cheeses work besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is wonderfully classic, but try mixing in provolone, cheddar, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist. Adding a touch of ricotta between layers can also make each slice extra creamy and special.
How do I avoid soggy spaghetti in my casserole?
Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite) and drain it well. The eggs and cheese will help set the casserole—layering everything while the spaghetti is not overcooked helps keep slices neat and satisfying, never mushy.
Final Thoughts
When you crave cozy, nourishing comfort and a surefire hit with everyone at the table, Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite should be your go-to. It’s simple, adaptable, and always feels like a celebration when it comes bubbling from the oven. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a cherished staple for your family too—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe features layers of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef in olive oil until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Spaghetti: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, beaten eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Layer the Dish: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce and mozzarella. Repeat layers. Cover with foil.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
