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Dorothy Thomas

Spaghetti Bake Recipe

A comforting, cheesy spaghetti bake that’s perfect for family dinners! This easy casserole combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  •  (340g) 12 oz Spaghetti noodles
  • (450g) 1 lb  Ground beef
  •  (680g) 24 oz Marinara sauce
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • (200g) 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • (50g) ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Skillet (for browning meat)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • mixing spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook Pasta – Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (about 8-10 mins). Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown Meat – In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 2 mins. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Combine Sauce & Pasta – Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 mins. Mix in cooked spaghetti.
  5. Layer & Bake – Transfer half the pasta mix to the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Add remaining pasta, then top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
  6. Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins. Uncover and bake for 5-10 mins until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Rest & Serve – Let cool for 5 mins before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the dish, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
  • Substitutions: Use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative. Gluten-free pasta works too!
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.