Easy to Make and Delicious Baked Spaghetti

If you are looking for a comforting family dinner that is simple, hearty, and easy to prepare ahead of time, baked spaghetti is always a winner. This recipe takes classic spaghetti and turns it into a warm, cheesy casserole-style meal that is perfect for busy nights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want something filling and delicious.

What makes baked spaghetti so good is that the noodles are mixed with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings before being layered in a baking dish with meat sauce and topped with cheese. The eggs and Parmesan help bind the noodles together, so when it bakes, everything sets up beautifully. It is still saucy and comforting, but it has a little more structure than regular spaghetti.

This version is easy to customize, too. You can add more cheese, use ricotta if your family likes it, make a separate low-carb version without noodles, or serve it with spaghetti squash for anyone who does not eat pasta. It is one of those recipes that works well for different preferences, which is always helpful when cooking for a family.

Supply List

Ground beef
Spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti noodles
2 eggs
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Italian blend shredded cheese
Italian seasoning
Italian herb grinder or garlic salt blend
Bread dipping seasonings, such as Parmesan blend, Tuscany, or Sicilian
Cooking spray
Aluminum foil
Large pot
Colander
Large skillet or saucepan
Large baking dish
Spoon or spatula
Optional ricotta cheese
Optional spaghetti squash
Optional broccoli, salad, or garlic bread for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet or saucepan. Cook it until it is fully done, then drain off any excess grease if needed.

Once the beef is cooked, add your favorite spaghetti sauce. RAGÚ works great for this recipe, but you can use any sauce your family likes. After pouring the sauce into the pan, turn the jar upside down for a minute to get every last bit out.

Even if you use a jarred sauce, you can make it taste more homemade by adding extra seasonings. Add a few shakes of bread dipping seasoning, such as Parmesan blend, Tuscany, or Sicilian. Then add Italian seasoning and an Italian herb grinder or garlic salt blend. Stir everything together and let it warm through.

2. Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

Cook your spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. You want them cooked, but not overly soft, because they will bake again in the oven.

Once the noodles are done, drain them in a colander. Then place them back into the same pot you cooked them in. This saves dishes and gives you plenty of room to mix everything together.

3. Add the Eggs

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Crack two eggs directly into the cooked spaghetti noodles. Stir well so the eggs are evenly mixed throughout the pasta. The eggs may sound like an unusual addition, but they help bind the spaghetti together while it bakes.

Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated so they are spread evenly through the noodles.

4. Season the Noodles

Next, season the spaghetti noodles. Add a good amount of Italian seasoning or an Italian herb grinder. If your seasoning blend includes salt and garlic, even better.

You want the noodles to have flavor on their own, not just rely on the sauce. Stir the seasonings into the spaghetti until everything is mixed well.

5. Add Parmesan Cheese

Add Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti mixture. Fresh Parmesan is wonderful in the middle of the casserole because it has a better flavor and texture, but grated Parmesan also works.

Mix the Parmesan into the noodles until it is evenly distributed. The Parmesan, along with the eggs, helps the spaghetti hold together and adds a delicious savory flavor.

At this point, the noodles should look seasoned, coated, and ready for the baking dish.

6. Add the Spaghetti to the Baking Dish

Pour the seasoned spaghetti noodles into a large baking dish. Spread them out evenly so they cover the bottom of the dish.

Try to get all the good bits of cheese and seasoning from the pot into the dish. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the noodles into an even layer.

7. Add the Meat Sauce

Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti noodles. Spread it across the top so the noodles are completely covered.

You can mix it slightly into the noodles or leave it more layered. Either way works. The important thing is to make sure the top is well coated with sauce so the baked spaghetti does not dry out.

If your family loves cheese, you can also add a layer of cheese between the noodles and sauce. This is optional, but it makes the casserole extra rich and creamy.

8. Add the Cheese Topping

Once the sauce is spread out, top the casserole with shredded cheese. Mozzarella is a classic choice because it melts beautifully, and an Italian blend with Parmesan or Asiago adds extra flavor.

Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. You can make one corner lighter on cheese if someone in your family prefers less, or load it up if everyone loves a cheesy baked pasta.

9. Cover with Foil

Before baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil. To keep the cheese from sticking, spray one side of the foil with cooking spray, then place the sprayed side down over the casserole.

This little trick keeps the melted cheese from sticking to the foil and making a mess when you remove it.

10. Bake the Spaghetti

Place the covered baked spaghetti in the oven at 375 degrees. Bake for about one hour, or until everything is hot, bubbly, and cooked together.

If you want the cheese to brown slightly, you can remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking.

11. Optional: Make Spaghetti Squash

For a low-carb option, spaghetti squash works beautifully with the same meat sauce and cheese.

Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut-side down in a glass dish with enough water to cover part of the squash. Microwave for about 20 to 22 minutes, or until tender.

Once cooked, scrape the inside with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands. Serve with sauce and cheese as a pasta alternative.

12. Serve and Enjoy

Let the baked spaghetti sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it set up and makes it easier to serve.

Serve it with garlic bread, salad, broccoli, or your favorite vegetable. This easy baked spaghetti is warm, cheesy, filling, and perfect for feeding a family. It is a simple recipe, but it tastes like comfort food at its best.