If you love classic spaghetti but crave something richer, cheesier, and oven-baked to perfection, this Ultimate Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is your dream dinner.
Layers of tender pasta, hearty beef sauce, and loads of melted mozzarella create the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍝 Classic spaghetti with a baked twist
- 🧀 Loaded with gooey, stretchy cheese
- 🍅 Rich homemade-style meat sauce
- 👨👩👧 Perfect for family dinners
- ❄️ Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra flavor)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ cup ricotta (optional for creamier texture)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions).
Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
3️⃣ Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add cooked spaghetti directly into the meat sauce.
Toss until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease your baking dish.
Add half of the spaghetti mixture.
Sprinkle half the mozzarella and cheddar.
Add remaining spaghetti mixture.
Top with remaining cheese and parmesan.
If using ricotta, add small dollops between layers.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden top.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve hot and enjoy that amazing cheese pull!
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli or zucchini
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F until warmed through
Variations
- 🌶 Add crushed red pepper flakes
- 🍄 Mix in sautéed mushrooms
- 🥓 Add cooked bacon bits
- 🧀 Use provolone or Monterey Jack for different flavor
Pro Tips
✔ Slightly undercook pasta to avoid mushy texture
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt
✔ Let it rest before cutting to hold layers together