Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – Cheesy, Saucy & Crowd-Pleasing

This baked spaghetti is a warm, bubbling casserole of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and melty cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Introduction: A Classic, Reimagined

Spaghetti and meat sauce is a dinner table staple—but when you bake it, something magical happens. The sauce thickens, the flavors deepen, and the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection. This Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is everything you love about traditional spaghetti, with a cozy, casserole-style twist.

Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead meal, a freezer-friendly dinner, or a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so satisfying:

Pasta:

  • Spaghetti (1 lb)
    Cooked al dente so it holds up during baking.

Meat Sauce:

  • Ground beef (1 lb)
    Hearty and flavorful—use lean for less grease.
  • Olive oil (1 tbsp)
    Helps sauté the veggies and adds richness.
  • Onion (1 small, diced)
    Adds sweetness and depth.
  • Green & red bell peppers (1 each, diced)
    Bring color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
    Aromatic and essential.
  • Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
    The base of the sauce—thick and hearty.
  • Tomato sauce (15 oz can)
    Adds smoothness and body.
  • Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
    A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil.
  • Dried basil (½ tsp)
    Enhances the herbal notes.
  • Salt & black pepper (½ tsp each)
    Balances and boosts flavor.

Cheese (Optional but Recommended):

  • Mozzarella (1 cup, shredded)
    Melts beautifully and adds that classic cheesy pull.
  • Parmesan (½ cup, grated)
    Adds salty, nutty depth.

Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat or fresh parsley for garnish.

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet (for sauce)
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil 1 lb spaghetti in salted water until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat:

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned
  • Drain excess fat

Add:

  • 1 diced onion
  • 1 diced green bell pepper
  • 1 diced red bell pepper
  • 2 minced garlic cloves

Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened.

Stir in:

  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

In a large bowl or directly in the skillet:

  • Toss cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Top with:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until:

  • Cheese is melted
  • Sauce is bubbling

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Potlucks and gatherings
  • Meal prep and freezer meals

Pair with:

  • Garlic bread or focaccia
  • Caesar or garden salad
  • A glass of red wine or sparkling water

Presentation Tip: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Try these delicious twists:

Spicy Sausage

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage.

Extra Cheesy

Add a ricotta layer between pasta and sauce.

Veggie Boost

Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free spaghetti or chickpea pasta.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Tip: Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, ~1 of 8)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: ~22g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35g
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Sugar: ~7g
  • Sodium: ~480mg
  • Fiber: ~3g

This dish is:

  • Hearty and filling
  • Cheesy and saucy
  • Perfectly portioned
  • Great for sharing

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a warm, comforting classic that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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