Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This easy, cheesy spaghetti bake is a weeknight hero and potluck favorite! Packed with savory beef, zesty marinara, and a gooey layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s comfort food done right. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day—just bake, serve, and watch it disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Feeds a crowd with ease

• Budget-friendly and freezer-friendly

• Perfect balance of savory meat, herbs, and melty cheese

• Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners

• Classic flavor with minimal prep time

Ingredients Breakdown

Sauce & Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef – Adds rich, savory flavor and makes the dish filling.

• 1 large onion, chopped – Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle kick.

• 24 oz marinara sauce – The main tomato base that ties everything together.

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds texture and fresh tomato flavor.

• 1 tsp dried oregano & 1 tsp dried basil – Classic Italian herbs for depth and aroma.

• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and balance.

Pasta & Cheese:

• 1 lb spaghetti – Traditional pasta choice that holds the sauce well.

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into a gooey, bubbly topping.

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and a golden finish.

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds color and a fresh herbal touch before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready.

• Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added to the sauce.

• Double batch: Great for freezing—just divide into two pans and freeze one for later.

• Low-carb tip: Substitute spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.

Variations and Customizations

• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix some ricotta or cottage cheese into the pasta before baking.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and load up with vegetables and beans.

• Meat Lovers: Add ground Italian sausage or pepperoni slices for extra flavor.

What to Serve With It

• Garlic bread or breadsticks

• Caesar salad or mixed greens

• Roasted vegetables

• A glass of red  sweet tea

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Microwave single portions or bake at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, penne, rotini, or ziti all work great in place of spaghetti.

Q: Can this be made vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add extra vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute.

Q: What kind of marinara sauce works best?
A: Choose a brand with no added sugar and bold tomato flavor, or make your own for best results.

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

---

• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This easy, cheesy spaghetti bake is a weeknight hero and potluck favorite! Packed with savory beef, zesty marinara, and a gooey layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s comfort food done right. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day—just bake, serve, and watch it disappear!

Advertisements

---

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 24 oz marinara sauce

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.

• Drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

3. Sauté Onion & Garlic

• Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet.

• Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce

• Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Cook the Pasta

• While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package.

• Drain and set aside.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce.

• Toss well to evenly coat the pasta.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish

• Pour the spaghetti mixture into your prepared baking dish.

• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

8. Bake

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

9. Serve

• Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Make sure your spaghetti is just al dente—it will continue cooking in the oven.

• For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.

• Leftovers make an excellent lunchbox meal or quick weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?