Easy Baked Spaghetti

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and brings everyone to the table without needing to call. This Easy Baked Spaghetti takes a family favorite and makes it even better by adding layers of meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and baked perfection.

Perfect for weeknights, casual dinner parties, or prepping ahead for busy days, this dish delivers the richness of lasagna with half the effort. It’s simple, satisfying, and one of those go-to recipes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.

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What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Regular spaghetti noodles work beautifully in this recipe. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if you prefer, just make sure to cook the pasta al dente. This ensures it doesn’t overcook during baking. Avoid angel hair or very thin pasta shapes, as they tend to get mushy.

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Ingredients for the Easy Baked Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: The base of the dish. Cooked until just al dente to hold its shape.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and richness to the sauce.
• Marinara sauce: A good-quality store-bought or homemade marinara brings all the flavors together.
• Cream cheese: This is our secret ingredient that melts into the pasta and gives it a velvety, tangy creaminess.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that melty, cheesy topping we all love.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and enhances the umami.
• Italian seasoning: Boosts the flavor of the meat and sauce layers.
• Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color.

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How To Make the Easy Baked Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti according to package directions, but stop at al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese

Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. This step gives the dish its creamy texture and slight tang.

Step 4: Combine and Layer

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers once more.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

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How to Serve and Store This Spaghetti Bake

Serve this dish hot straight from the oven with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Definitely. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work great—just avoid delicate pasta like angel hair.

Is cream cheese necessary?

It adds a creamy, tangy element, but you can skip it or substitute with ricotta or sour cream.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use meatless crumbles or skip the meat and amp up the veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

How do I avoid soggy pasta?

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente and don’t oversauce it before baking.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Easy Baked Spaghetti, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting pasta creations:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a creamy garlic twist.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta for bold, savory flavor.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for an ultra-cheesy, kid-friendly option.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a rich and veggie-packed dinner.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you love ultra-luxurious sauces.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or go extra cheesy on top? Did you swap cream cheese for ricotta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more cozy pasta dinners and comfort food ideas, follow along on my Pinterest: Life with Nina Recipes

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