Cheesy Baked Spaghetti – Comforting, Gooey, and Flavor-Packed

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding the whole family. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this baked spaghetti will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly – A cheesy pasta dish that everyone will enjoy.
Extra Cheesy – Layers of mozzarella and Parmesan make it irresistible.
Perfectly Baked – Golden, bubbly top with tender pasta inside.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and bake when ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess fat if necessary. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Layer the Casserole
   In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, then dollop with ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and a little Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and cheeses.
4. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~420
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta – Keep it al dente since it will cook more in the oven.
• Boost Flavor – Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Cheese Options – Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or cream cheese for creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and layers of cheese creates a comforting baked dish that’s hearty yet simple. Baking melds the flavors together and adds that irresistible golden cheesy topping.

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food — cheesy, hearty, and satisfying. Easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers, it’s a dinner recipe you’ll want to make again and again.