If you’re searching for a comforting dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy appetites, look no further than Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe. This classic dish combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a savory, spiced beef marinara, creamy ricotta, and a glorious blanket of melted cheeses, all baked until bubbling golden. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners with loved ones. The flavors meld beautifully, and the ease of preparation makes it a go-to that feels both special and totally achievable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for delivering the rich flavors and textures that make this recipe shine. Every component plays a role, from the silky ricotta adding creaminess to the herbs brightening the whole dish with fresh notes.
- Salted butter: Used for greasing the dish and giving the meat a rich, golden sear.
- Kosher salt: A crucial seasoning to enhance every layer of flavor, including the pasta water.
- Spaghetti: The star base that soaks up the hearty sauce and cheese.
- Ground beef: Provides that savory, meaty backbone for the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds a fragrant, mellow garlic punch without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Deepens the sauce flavor with subtle sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to wake up your taste buds.
- Marinara sauce: The tangy, herb-infused tomato base bringing it all together.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy softness that contrasts perfectly with the meat.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled for a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh basil: Torn and scattered last minute to add brightness and color.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to a lively 400˚F (200˚C). Butter up your favorite 9-by-13-inch baking dish—this ensures the spaghetti won’t stick and adds a subtle buttery aroma. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; this salty water seasons the pasta as it cooks. Boil your spaghetti according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set it aside to wait for its flavorful companions.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Use the same pot to melt butter over medium-high heat—it’s all about layering flavor. Toss in the ground beef along with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir and break up the meat with a wooden spoon so every bite is tender and well-seasoned. Cook until the beef browns beautifully and any pink is gone, about seven minutes. The aroma here is already making your kitchen feel like home.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, pour in the jar of marinara sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer for around three minutes. This lets the flavors mingle and the sauce thicken slightly. Remove the pot from heat and stir in your cooked spaghetti along with ricotta cheese. Mixing the ricotta now creates pockets of creamy goodness throughout the pasta, elevating each forkful.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer that rich, cheesy spaghetti mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously over the top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns to golden, luscious perfection. This is the moment when your baked spaghetti truly becomes a family favorite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, tear fresh basil leaves over the bubbling cheese, adding vibrant color and an herbaceous kick. Dig in while it’s warm for the best melty, saucy experience that your family and friends will rave about long after the last bite.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is an unbeatable finishing touch, but you can also add freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top can add a lovely sheen and an extra layer of richness. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor, making it look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, like a Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, add freshness and balance, turning this meal into a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive family-style meal, serve the baked spaghetti straight from the casserole dish at the center of the table. If you want to get creative, portion it into individual ramekins or small baking dishes before topping with cheese and baking—this makes each serving feel extra special. You could even mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach before baking to customize the flavors and make it your own signature recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your baked spaghetti will stay delicious for up to four days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or divide into freezer-safe containers. Frozen baked spaghetti keeps well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy your family favorite anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Reheat in the oven at 350ËšF (175ËšC) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth and maintain that comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and a great texture for this dish, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and season well. The ricotta and cheeses will keep the dish creamy and satisfying without meat.
How spicy is the baked spaghetti?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor, making it kid-friendly too.
Can I prepare Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe in advance?
You sure can! Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy days.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?
If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese is a good substitute. Just drain any excess liquid to keep the mixture from becoming watery. Cream cheese thinned with a little milk can also work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about how Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe brings everyone together around the dinner table. It’s hearty, cozy, and bursting with comforting flavors that feel both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family tonight or feeding a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy spaghetti.
Print
Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Spaghetti recipe is a comforting and hearty family favorite featuring tender spaghetti combined with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh basil, it offers a satisfyingly cheesy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400ËšF (200ËšC). Grease a 9-by-13-inch or other 3-quart baking dish with butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the marinara sauce into the beef and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cooked spaghetti and ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake until the cheese is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with torn basil before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
