If there’s one comfort dish that has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, it’s Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite. Imagine layers of tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey, golden cheese all coming together in a bubbling casserole that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds and leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy on a weeknight, this classic delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite lies in its simple, unfussy ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the savory ground beef to the perfectly melty mozzarella. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make each component shine.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Use classic spaghetti for the ideal texture; cook it just to al dente to avoid mushiness when baking.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Opt for lean beef for hearty flavor without excess grease; ground turkey or sausage are great alternatives.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible flavor.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Choose your favorite jarred sauce, or make your own for a personal touch.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend brings classic Italian herb notes to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for brightening up all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a gentle kick.
- Eggs (2): Act as a binder, giving the pasta structure and richness.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty layer to the pasta and helps hold everything together.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the show for that bubbly, gooey top.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Sautéing the onions and garlic in oil brings out their best flavor.
- Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—you want the noodles to have a little bite, since they’ll soften more in the oven. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside, making sure not to overcook or they’ll get mushy later.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, then add your ground beef. Break the meat apart as it browns, cooking until there’s no pink left. Drain off any excess fat to keep things light, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to let all those flavors meld.
Step 3: Mix Pasta with Eggs and Parmesan
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss everything together so the noodles are evenly coated. This step is what gives Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite its signature texture—the eggs help bind everything together, and the Parmesan adds a savory richness you can’t resist.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and start building your masterpiece. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in an even layer on the bottom. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta, making sure to cover every nook. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for that first layer of cheesy goodness. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and mozzarella, so you have beautiful, distinct layers.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this makes it easier to slice and ensures nobody burns their tongue!
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to each serving of Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite. For a little extra flair, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta bake with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also make a fresh, crisp contrast to the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight dinners, serve it straight from the baking dish to keep things casual and family-friendly. For gatherings or potlucks, cut the Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite into neat squares and serve on a platter, garnished with parsley and extra cheese. You can even bake individual portions in ramekins for a fun, personalized touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container; it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers almost better than the first night!
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. To freeze, let the baked spaghetti cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights or surprise guests.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a quick lunch, you can microwave individual portions until piping hot, though the oven method keeps the cheese nice and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the noodles are al dente before assembling.
What can I add to boost the nutrition?
Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini to the sauce for extra veggies and color. These additions blend in seamlessly and add a nice nutritional boost.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese topping from sticking to the foil?
Spray the underside of your foil lightly with cooking spray before covering the dish. This simple trick keeps your beautiful cheesy top intact when you remove the foil.
Is Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, saucy layers, and it’s easy to sneak in extra veggies if you like. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead and reheating for busy weeknights or school lunches.
Final Thoughts
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory-maker. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a celebratory family gathering, it always draws smiles and empty plates. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved tradition in your own kitchen!
Print
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Spaghetti is a comforting family favorite that combines al dente pasta with a savory ground beef marinara sauce, layered generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this hearty Italian-American dish is easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the spaghetti casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up and cooking until browned through. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Combine Eggs and Parmesan: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Toss this mixture with the cooked spaghetti to coat every strand evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to set. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce to increase vegetable content and add extra nutrients.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator and is perfect for meal prep—simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
