A Classic Italian-American Comfort Dish
Baked spaghetti is a beloved Italian-American comfort food that brings together everything you love about pasta night—tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Unlike traditional stovetop spaghetti, this recipe is baked in the oven, giving it a golden, bubbly top layer that adds both flavor and texture. Originating in the United States as a casserole-style twist on Italian pasta, baked spaghetti quickly became a family favorite because it’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is a timeless classic.
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Why These Ingredients Work So Well
The combination of spaghetti, ground beef, and a rich tomato base creates a savory, filling meal. Ground beef provides protein and a meaty flavor, while onion, bell peppers, and garlic add depth and freshness. Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce build the foundation for the hearty sauce, enhanced with Italian seasoning and basil for authentic Mediterranean flavor. The final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended) creates a creamy, gooey topping that pairs beautifully with the pasta. Each ingredient works together to create balance—savory, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Unlike stovetop spaghetti, baked spaghetti takes an extra step by going into the oven. This transforms the dish into a casserole with a crispy, golden top while locking in moisture and flavor. It’s a versatile recipe—you can prepare it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or easily double it to serve a large group. With its simple preparation and delicious results, baked spaghetti is a true crowd-pleaser. The best part? You only need one baking dish and a skillet, making cleanup easy and stress-free.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti (cooked al dente)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Add onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Toss cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until evenly coated.
Step 7: Assemble & Bake
Transfer to your baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan if using. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Let cool slightly before serving. Perfect with garlic bread or salad.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
Baked Spaghetti
Q1: Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake.
Q3: Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes—ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well.
Q4: How do I prevent the spaghetti from drying out in the oven?
Make sure to toss the pasta thoroughly in the sauce and cover loosely with foil if needed.
Q5: What side dishes go with baked spaghetti?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.