Tired of complaints about what’s for dinner? Baked spaghetti is always a crowd-pleaser – yes, even for the kids! This dish takes everything you love about classic spaghetti and turns it into a bubbly, cheesy, oven-finished baked spaghetti that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.
It’s easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’re even better the next day. Served with garlic bread, salad, or roasted broccoli, weeknight baked spaghetti will bring everyone to the table with no complaints.
Recipe for Weeknight Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb TBS ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the creamy layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain the excess grease. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, sour cream, softened cream cheese, and Parmesan until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer as follows:
- Half of the cooked spaghetti
- Half of the creamy cheese mixture
- Half of the meat sauce
Repeat the layers and top with the shredded mozzarella.
5. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overboil it or it will get mushy.
- Up the flavor: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage to add extra flavor.
- Add veggies: Add sauteed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for a veggie boost.
Easy Weeknight Dinners Start at The Butcher Shop
Baked spaghetti is simple enough for weeknights, but the cheesy, bubbling top makes it feel like a special occasion. At The Butcher Shop, our 100% natural, locally sourced meats and seafood elevate every meal. We also carry farm-fresh produce, freshly baked loaves of bread, and high-quality pantry ingredients – all at prices that won’t break your budget. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.