Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe: A Comforting Dinner Win

Whipping up a quick and delicious easy baked spaghetti during hectic weekday evenings can save your dinner plans.

Pasta lovers appreciate simple meals that come together with minimal effort.

Comfort arrives in a single casserole dish, packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness.

Layers of noodles, savory sauce, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing option for hungry families.

Ingredients commonly found in kitchen pantries make this recipe accessible and stress-free.

Minimal prep work means you can have a hot meal on the table in under an hour.

Dive into this hassle-free dinner that promises to satisfy everyone’s appetite and bring smiles around the table.

Reheating and Storage Tips for Easy Baked Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place spaghetti in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Best Pairings for Easy Baked Spaghetti for Busy Nights

Pairing Flavor Boosters: Elevate Baked Spaghetti Experience

• Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette to cut through rich, cheesy pasta and add fresh crunch.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Pour medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to complement tomato sauce and enhance meaty flavors.
• Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Serve warm, crusty breadsticks seasoned with garlic and herbs to soak up extra sauce and provide textural contrast.
• Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare quick roasted zucchini or bell peppers with olive oil and herbs to balance the hearty pasta dish.

Unique Spins on Easy Baked Spaghetti for Busy Nights

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Use vegetable marinara sauce for added depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use egg substitute or omit egg for a fully vegan approach.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this baked spaghetti ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy families or preparing dinner in advance.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives or adding extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground meat, whole wheat spaghetti, part-skim ricotta cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce. These small changes can boost nutrition without compromising flavor.

• Do I need any special kitchen equipment?

No special equipment is needed. You’ll just require a skillet, large mixing bowl, baking dish, and basic cooking utensils. A standard 9×13 inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.

Perks of Easy Baked Spaghetti for Busy Nights

• This spaghetti recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free meals.
• Throw ingredients together quickly, with simple steps that require zero fancy cooking skills.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and classic flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike, guaranteeing clean plates every time.
• Perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a hearty meal that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Everything in Easy Baked Spaghetti for Busy Nights

• Ground Meat: A hearty base that adds richness and protein to the dish.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the foundation of this comforting meal.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings vibrant flavor to the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that adds a smooth and rich texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that provides a delicious golden topping and stretchy texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and adds structure.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Simple Steps for Easy Baked Spaghetti for Busy Nights

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and get ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Pasta Party

Toss spaghetti into a pot of boiling salted water.

Cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a playful bite.

Drain and set aside, giving it a little rest.

Step 3: Meat Magic

Grab a skillet and brown your ground meat until it’s sizzling and gorgeous.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Sauce Symphony

Pour marinara into the meat and let it dance together for about 5 minutes.

The flavors will start to mingle and create deliciousness.

Step 5: Cheese Charm

• Ricotta
• Egg
• Mozzarella
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Layer Love

In a big bowl, marry your spaghetti with the meaty sauce.

Transfer half to a greased baking dish, spread the cheese mixture, then crown with remaining pasta.

Step 7: Cheese Crown

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top like a cheesy blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.

Then uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Feast

Let your masterpiece chill for 10 minutes, then serve up a slice of comfort.

Extra Tips for Easy Baked Spaghetti for Busy Nights

• Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushy results when baking.
• Remove excess meat fat completely to keep the dish from becoming greasy and heavy.
• Use room temperature ricotta and egg for smoother, more evenly distributed cheese layer.
• Create distinct layers by spreading cheese mixture carefully between pasta layers for visual and taste appeal.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and ensure a juicy, delicious casserole.

Easy Baked Spaghetti for Busy Nights Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spaghetti casserole brings comfort and flavor to hectic weeknight dinners with minimal preparation. Cheesy layers of pasta, ground beef, and marinara sauce create a satisfying meal that hungry families will devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage)

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (226 grams) mozzarella cheese for topping
• 1 cup (226 grams) ricotta or cottage cheese
• 1 large egg

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C), ensuring an evenly heated cooking environment.
2. Immerse spaghetti in generously salted boiling water, cooking until pasta reaches tender yet firm al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
3. Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles until no pink remains. Eliminate excess grease through thorough draining.
4. Integrate marinara sauce with cooked meat, allowing flavors to meld during a gentle 5-minute simmer.
5. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta with egg, incorporating mozzarella, Italian herbs, and seasoning until smooth and well-combined.
6. Thoroughly coat spaghetti with meat-infused sauce in a spacious mixing bowl, transferring half the mixture into a prepared baking dish.
7. Spread the entire cheese mixture evenly across the initial pasta layer, then crown with remaining sauced spaghetti.
8. Generously scatter additional mozzarella across the top, creating a tempting golden cheese surface.
9. Shield dish with aluminum foil, baking for 25 minutes to develop deep flavors.
10. Remove foil, continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and edges become deliciously crispy.
11. Allow casserole to rest and settle for 10 minutes, enabling easier serving and flavor integration.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Meat Management: Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of the classic casserole.
• Cheese Customization: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat alternative or use plant-based cheese to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it ideal for meal prep and busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg