Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Pasta
When it comes to hearty, soul-satisfying meals, few dishes can rival the simple magic of Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cheese. This classic comfort food combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese — all baked to bubbly perfection.
It’s the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this baked spaghetti is an easy, delicious winner.
🍝 Why Baked Spaghetti?
Unlike regular spaghetti served with sauce on top, baking it all together allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into every bite. The result is a warm, cheesy casserole that’s crispy on the edges and tender inside — a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Plus, it’s super versatile. You can prepare the meat sauce ahead of time or use your favorite jarred sauce to make dinner come together even faster.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
12 oz spaghetti pasta
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creaminess)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or dried basil (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Combine sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Mix pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta or cottage cheese if using.
Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the dish, sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese on top, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
