Ultimate Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole: An Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole. This beloved Italian-American classic gets a fantastic upgrade, transforming a simple pasta dish into a hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. Forget complicated recipes; this baked spaghetti brings all the rich flavors of lasagna with a fraction of the effort, making it a go-to for busy families and seasoned home cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

There are countless reasons why this baked spaghetti recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household:

• Effortless Preparation: While it boasts layers of flavor and texture, this baked spaghetti is remarkably simpler to assemble than traditional lasagna. You get that satisfying, layered pasta bake experience without the fuss of delicate lasagna noodles. It’s almost like lasagna, but with the familiar ease of spaghetti!
• A Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe makes a generous portion, easily feeding a large family, guests, or providing ample leftovers. It’s ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prepping for a busy week. You can adjust the serving size or simply embrace the joy of having extra for later.
• Incredible Leftovers: Like many great casseroles, baked spaghetti tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld and deepen as it sits, making it a highly anticipated lunch or dinner reheat. It also freezes beautifully, offering a convenient homemade meal solution for future busy evenings.
• Rich & Satisfying Flavor: Al dente spaghetti is perfectly coated and layered with a robust, savory marinara sauce infused with Italian sausage, and a decadent blend of creamy cheeses. Baked to golden-brown perfection, each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your family’s preferences. Swap out the meat, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese combinations. It’s a flexible recipe that invites culinary creativity.

Looking for more easy weeknight dinner inspiration? Be sure to check out some of our other favorites such as Chicken Spaghetti, Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, French Bread Pizza, Chicken Dirty Rice, One Pot Tortellini with Italian Sausage, French Bread Sloppy Joes, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, and Kielbasa Squash Zucchini Sausage Sheet Pan.

Recipe Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

This baked spaghetti casserole comes together with simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

• Spaghetti noodles – Opt for your favorite brand of thin spaghetti. Cooking them al dente is crucial here, as they’ll continue to cook and soften in the oven, ensuring they don’t become mushy.
• Italian sausage – Whether you prefer mild or hot, Italian sausage adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a rich, savory kick to the marinara sauce. Its built-in seasonings provide an extra boost that truly elevates the dish.
• Aromatics & Seasonings – Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic cloves form the aromatic base. Italian seasoning brings classic herbaceous notes, while fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of color. A hint of red pepper flakes offers a subtle warmth, which can be adjusted to your spice preference.
• Marinara sauce – Use either your favorite homemade marinara or a high-quality store-bought version. The marinara is the heart of the sauce, so choose one with a flavor profile you love.
• Water – A small amount of water is added to the sauce to maintain moisture during baking, preventing the casserole from drying out and ensuring a rich, bubbly consistency.
• Eggs – Just like in lasagna, eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the spaghetti noodles together and create that cohesive, satisfying casserole texture.
• Cheese, glorious cheese! – This recipe calls for a trio of cheeses:
  • Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano: Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds a sharp, salty, and umami-rich flavor that is essential for an authentic Italian-American taste.
  • Ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta cheese provides a soft, delicate texture and a mild, slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory sauce, similar to what you’d find in lasagna.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese delivers that undeniable meltiness and signature gooey stretch that makes a baked pasta dish so comforting and appealing.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these straightforward steps to create your own delicious baked spaghetti casserole:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with salt – it should taste like the sea. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now is key to preventing mushiness. Drain the cooked pasta and let it cool slightly to prevent it from clumping.

2. Brown the Sausage: While the spaghetti cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, slowly cook the Italian sausage (or ground beef/other meat), breaking it into smaller, crumbles pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the sausage is thoroughly cooked through, no longer pink, and lightly browned. This browning adds an extra layer of flavor. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined dish to drain any excess grease.







3. Sauté Aromatics: Drain most of the rendered fat from the skillet, leaving just a tablespoon or two for flavor. Add the chopped onions to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red chili pepper flakes and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce and 1 cup of water into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Return the browned Italian sausage to the pan. Stir in the Italian seasoning and fresh chopped parsley. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to very low and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and season the sauce with kosher salt and black pepper as needed.







5. Prepare the Spaghetti Base: While the sauce simmers, place the cooled spaghetti in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat, which helps prevent sticking. Then, add the 2 beaten eggs and toss again until the spaghetti is evenly coated. This egg mixture acts as a binder, creating a firm base for your casserole.

6. Assemble the First Layer: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the egg-coated spaghetti mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This forms the foundation of your casserole.







7. Layer with Sauce and Cheese (First Round): Generously spoon half of the simmering meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Then, dot the sauce evenly with half of the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, if using). Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano) cheese over the ricotta, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This creates a delicious, multi-layered profile.

8. Layer Again & Bake: Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Once all layers are assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes uncovered, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.







9. Rest and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. It’s crucial to let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set, preventing the casserole from falling apart when you cut into it. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or grated Parmesan, if desired, and enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti!

Let it cool for at least 10 minutes then slice and serve!

Perfect Sides to Serve with Baked Spaghetti

This hearty baked spaghetti casserole pairs wonderfully with a few classic accompaniments to complete your meal. Here are some excellent suggestions:

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad provides a light contrast to the rich pasta. A vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil and vinegar will cut through the richness beautifully. Consider a fresh Arugula Fennel Salad for a gourmet touch.
• Garlic Bread or Italian Bread: There’s almost nothing better than mopping up leftover sauce with a piece of warm, crusty bread. Garlic bread is a traditional and irresistible choice, while a freshly baked loaf of Italian Bread or even planning ahead to make Overnight Focaccia will make your meal feel extra special.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A side of tender-crisp steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus adds extra nutrients and a fresh element.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti

Achieve baked spaghetti perfection with these helpful tips:

• Season Your Pasta Water Generously: This is a golden rule for all pasta dishes! The water should taste like the sea. Salting the water infuses flavor directly into the spaghetti as it cooks, building the overall taste of your casserole from the ground up.
• Cook Spaghetti Al Dente: It’s crucial to cook your spaghetti noodles slightly underdone, or “al dente,” for this baked casserole recipe. Since the dish will continue to bake in the oven, cooking them perfectly al dente initially prevents them from becoming mushy and overcooked, ensuring a pleasant texture in the final dish.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it’s often coated in cellulose or other anti-caking agents. This can prevent it from melting as smoothly and creamily as freshly shredded cheese. For the best gooey, cheesy results, take a few extra minutes to shred your own mozzarella and Parmesan from a block.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After baking, let the spaghetti casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the sauce and cheese to set, making it much easier to slice into neat portions and preventing it from becoming a runny mess.
• Use a Deep Baking Dish: A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is usually sufficient, but if you’re worried about overflow or prefer extra height, a slightly deeper casserole dish is always a good idea for baked pasta dishes.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your meat sauce before layering the casserole. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your preference. A well-seasoned sauce is the foundation of a flavorful baked spaghetti.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Baked Spaghetti

This baked spaghetti recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for many delicious variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Meat Options: Instead of (or in addition to) Italian sausage, consider these alternative protein choices:
  • Ground beef: Classic and comforting, ground beef provides a familiar flavor profile. Brown it well for extra richness.
  • Ground turkey: A leaner alternative that still offers a hearty base for the sauce. Season it generously to enhance its flavor.
  • Ground chicken: Similar to ground turkey, ground chicken is a lighter option. Consider using a mix of dark and white meat for more moisture.
  • Meatball addition: For an even heartier meal, you could add cooked mini meatballs or sliced larger meatballs into the sauce.
• Vegetarian/Meatless Version: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight:
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or a mix) add a wonderful umami depth and meaty texture.
  • Plant-based meat crumbles: Many excellent vegetarian “ground meat” crumbles are available and work perfectly in the marinara sauce.
  • Tofu or lentils: Crumbled extra-firm tofu or cooked lentils can be added to the sauce for protein and texture.
  • Extra vegetables: Load up on diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or carrots in the sauce for a veggie-packed meal.
• Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of provolone and mozzarella, or even a touch of smoked gouda, can add unique flavors. Cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta for a slightly tangier flavor and different texture.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into your ricotta mixture for an even richer, creamier layer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Delicious Italian-Inspired Recipes

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole! An easy meal for any night of the week.

5 from 3 votes

Print
Pin
Rate

Course:
Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine:
American, Italian

Prep Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour
hour
5 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

1 hour
hour
20 minutes
minutes

Servings:
12

Calories:

455
kcal

Author:
Leigh Harris

Ingredients

• 
  
  3/4
  lb
  Thin Spaghetti
  
  
• 
  
  1
  lb
  Italian sausage
  
  
• 
  
  1
  medium
  onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
  
  
• 
  
  2
  cloves
  Garlic
  pressed
  
  
• 
  
  1/2
  teaspoon
  Red Pepper flakes
  
  
• 
  
  3
  cups
  or 24 ounces of Marinara
  
  
• 
  
  1
  cup
  water
  
  
• 
  
  1
  Tbsp
  Italian seasoning
  
  
• 
  
  1/2
  cup
  Fresh Parsley, chopped
  
  
• 
  
  1
  Tbsp
  Olive Oil
  
  
• 
  
  1
  cup
  Parmesan cheese, grated
  
  
• 
  
  2
  large
  eggs, beaten
  
  
• 
  
  1 1/2
  cups
  Ricotta Cheese
  
  
• 
  
  3
  cups
  Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  
  

US Customary –
Metric

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot of water to boiling, add pasta and cook for 5 – 6 minutes, al dente. (it will continue to cook in the oven)
   3/4 lb Thin Spaghetti
2. Drain the pasta and let it cool.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
4. In a large sauté pan. Turn the heat on, to medium. Slowly cook the sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the sausage is cooked through, no longer pink anywhere, and lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the pan to a paper towel-lined dish.
   1 lb Italian sausage
5. Drain most of the fat from the pan
6. Add the chopped onions to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently until the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and red chili pepper flakes, and cook a minute more.
   1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups),
   2 cloves Garlic,
   1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper flakes
7. Add the marinara sauce and water to the pan with the onions. Add the sausage back, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, while you prepare the pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
   3 cups or 24 ounces of Marinara,
   1 cup water,
   1 Tbsp Italian seasoning,
   1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
8. Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, then 2 beaten eggs.
   1 Tbsp Olive Oil,
   2 large eggs, beaten
9. Place half of the pasta in an even layer in the casserole dish.
10. Cover with half of the sauce. Then dot the sauce with half of the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle half of the parmesan over the ricotta layer and then half of the mozzarella. Layer again with the remaining pasta, sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella.
    1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated,
    1 1/2 cups Ricotta Cheese,
    3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
11. Cover with foil and bake for 40 min at 350°F. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes uncovered.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Originally published 10/12/2015

Cook the pasta al dente in salted water. The pasta will continue to cook while baking.

Make Ahead – Bake the dish, cool completely, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You will probably need to bake it for an additional 10 minutes or more.

Storing and Freezing – Place the cooled casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Nutrition

Calories:
455
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
28
g

|

Protein:
24
g

|

Fat:
27
g

|

Saturated Fat:
13
g

|

Cholesterol:
109
mg

|

Sodium:
946
mg

|

Potassium:
471
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
4
g

|

Vitamin A:
957
IU

|

Vitamin C:
9
mg

|

Calcium:
337
mg

|

Iron:
2
mg