Cheesy Spaghetti Bake

Baked spaghetti casserole topped with golden melted cheese and parsley in a white ceramic dish on a marble countertop. — Cheesy Spaghetti Bake – layered with beefy marinara, ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, baked to perfection.

If you’re craving cozy comfort food, this Cheesy Spaghetti Bake is the ultimate weeknight winner. With layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, rich meaty marinara, and melty mozzarella, it’s the kind of dinner that disappears fast—especially when shared with friends or family. Even better, it’s easy to prep ahead and makes delicious leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any left!).

This recipe brings together everything you love about spaghetti and meat sauce, but transforms it into a bubbling, baked dish with crispy cheese edges and creamy ricotta in every bite. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying—especially on a cool evening when only carbs and cheese will do.

Here’s a fun fact: Baked spaghetti became popular in American kitchens in the 1950s as a budget-friendly, family-sized spin on traditional Italian pasta. Today, it’s a nostalgic favorite with endless ways to customize.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want comfort in casserole form, this Cheesy Spaghetti Bake is one you’ll be making again and again.

Recipe Yield: 6–8 servings

INGREDIENTS

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside.

2. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Make the meat sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil for 3 minutes. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic, cook 1 minute more, then add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Mix the cheese layer:
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. Add ricotta and Parmesan, stirring until fully combined.

5. Assemble the casserole:
In the prepared baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, followed by half the meat sauce, then dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the remaining sauce. Top generously with mozzarella.

6. Bake and broil:
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and broil for 3–4 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the spaghetti since it will finish cooking in the oven, keeping the texture just right.
Layer Flavor Thoughtfully: Layer the sauce and ricotta evenly to ensure every bite gets a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness.
Let It Rest: Resting after baking helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly.

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