This comforting baked spaghetti is rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. Tender pasta is coated in a well-seasoned meat sauce, layered with melted cheddar and mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and lightly golden. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare with simple, familiar ingredients. It delivers bold, well-balanced flavor thanks to a perfectly seasoned meat sauce and a blend of cheeses that melt beautifully in the oven. It’s filling, family-friendly, and ideal for making ahead, which makes it great for busy schedules.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the butter until evenly coated. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Season the meat mixture with the all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss thoroughly so the noodles are fully coated. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6 generous servings.
Prep time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking and baking time is about 40 minutes.
Total time is roughly 55 minutes.
Variations
You can swap ground beef with ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter version. For extra richness, mix a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream into the pasta before baking. Adding sliced mushrooms or black olives to the sauce can provide more depth and texture. If you enjoy heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works well.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this baked spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Should I cook the spaghetti fully before baking?
No, it’s best to cook it just until al dente so it doesn’t become too soft after baking.
Can I use only one type of cheese?
Yes, but using both cheddar and mozzarella gives the best balance of flavor and melt.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini all work nicely.
Is the sugar necessary?
The sugar helps balance the acidity of the marinara sauce, but it can be omitted if preferred.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Make sure the spaghetti is well-coated with sauce and avoid overbaking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it doubles easily for larger gatherings. Use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti after cooking?
Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in a well-sealed container.
What should I serve with baked spaghetti?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this dish.
Conclusion
Baes Baked Spaghetti is a hearty, satisfying meal that combines classic flavors with easy preparation. With its cheesy topping, well-seasoned sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll want to make again and again for family dinners or special occasions.
Baes Baked Spaghetti is a cheesy, comforting casserole with layers of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and melty cheddar and mozzarella. It’s easy to make and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb spaghetti noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
1 tsp sugar
1½ tbsp all-purpose seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and toss with butter. Set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Season with all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Pour in marinara sauce and stir. Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar, then mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the best flavor and melt.
Don’t overcook the pasta before baking—keep it al dente.
Optional add-ins: mushrooms, olives, red pepper flakes, or cream cheese for richness.
This dish freezes well; cool completely before freezing.
To reheat, microwave individual servings or warm covered in the oven at 350°F.
