Dinner

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Recipe Image 5

This is the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table suddenly become your best friend, and honestly, you’ll probably be okay with that.

Picture all the comfort of lasagna but with way less assembly stress and about half the dishes to wash afterward.

The magic happens when that ricotta mixture gets all melty between layers of perfectly sauced spaghetti, creating pockets of creamy heaven that’ll make you question why you ever bothered with regular pasta night.

Plus, it’s basically impossible to mess up – even if your layering skills are more “abstract art” than “food magazine worthy,” it’s still going to taste incredible.

Fair warning: this recipe serves 8-10 people, but don’t be surprised if it mysteriously disappears faster than you planned because people will keep coming back for “just one more small piece.”

The best part is watching everyone try to figure out your secret when really you just followed directions and trusted the process – sometimes cooking really is that simple.

Ingredients

For the sauce

1 medium yellow onion
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 /4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce (about 3 1/2 cups)
1 /2 cup water

For assembly

8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups shredded)
2 ounces Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup freshly grated or 1/2 cup store-bought grated)
12 sprigs fresh parsley (about 1/3 medium bunch)
1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1 /2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound dried spaghetti

Instructions

Make the sauce

1 Dice 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 1/2 cups) and finely chop 3 garlic cloves. Using a sharp knife and a quality cutting board makes this prep work much more efficient and safer.
2 Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through and the onion is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. The beef should no longer be pink and the onions should be translucent.
3 Add 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce. Add 1/2 cup water to the now-empty marinara jar, seal the jar, and shake to loosen any remaining sauce from the jar. Pour into the pan, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Meanwhile, heat the oven and prepare the remaining ingredients.

Make the pasta and assemble

4 Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. The water should taste like seawater – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
5 Meanwhile, grate 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese on the large holes of a box grater (about 2 cups). Finely grate 2 ounces Parmesan cheese on the small holes of the box grater (about 3/4 cup), or measure out 1/2 cup store-bought grated. Pick the leaves from 12 fresh parsley sprigs and finely chop until you have 1/4 cup. A microplane grater makes quick work of the Parmesan and gives you the perfect texture.
6 Place half of the Parmesan, 3 tablespoons of the parsley, 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl. Whisk with a fork until combined and smooth. This ricotta mixture is what transforms this from regular baked pasta into something special.
7 Add 1 pound dried spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for 1 minute less than al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushy results later. Drain and return the pasta to the now-empty pot. Add half of the sauce (about 3 cups) and toss until combined.
8 Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange into an even layer. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta and spread into an even layer using a silicone spatula. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Layer with the remaining pasta. Spread the remaining sauce over the pasta in an even layer, making sure the pasta is completely covered in sauce to prevent drying out. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Final baking

9 Bake uncovered until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted and browned in spots, about 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and you should see vigorous bubbling around the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes and garnish with the reserved parsley before cutting into pieces like a lasagna and serving.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Large cast iron skillet or non-stick pan – Essential for browning the ground beef evenly and building the sauce. Cast iron retains heat beautifully and gives you better browning
Box grater with multiple sides – Fresh grated cheese melts so much better than pre-shredded, and the different grate sizes give you perfect textures for both mozzarella and Parmesan
9×13-inch baking dish – The right size ensures proper cooking and layering. Glass or ceramic works best for even heat distribution
Large pasta pot – You need plenty of room for the spaghetti to cook without sticking together

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – For the most accurate cheese measurements, especially if you’re buying blocks of cheese to grate fresh
Silicone spatula – Makes spreading that ricotta mixture evenly so much easier than fighting with a regular spoon
Instant-read thermometer – While not essential, it helps ensure your ground beef reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)

Nice-to-Have Options

Food processor – If you’re making this recipe frequently, it can quickly chop onions and garlic, saving prep time
Microplane grater – Creates the finest, fluffiest Parmesan that melts like a dream
Aluminum foil – Perfect for covering if you’re making this ahead or if the top browns too quickly during baking

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace 1 pound dried spaghetti with gluten-free pasta (corn, rice, or chickpea-based work well)
Cook gluten-free pasta according to package directions but still aim for 1 minute less than al dente
Expect slightly different texture – gluten-free pasta can be more delicate, so handle gently when mixing with sauce
Check that your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute ricotta with 15 ounces cashew ricotta or dairy-free ricotta alternative
Replace mozzarella with 2 cups shredded dairy-free mozzarella
Use 3/4 cup nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor
The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying

Vegan Version

Use 1 pound plant-based ground meat or 2 cups cooked lentils instead of ground beef
Replace eggs in ricotta mixture with 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes)
Follow dairy-free cheese substitutions above
Add extra Italian seasoning and garlic for robust flavor

Vegetable-Packed Version

Add 2 cups diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce with the onions
Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the last minute of sauce cooking
Layer thin slices of eggplant or zucchini between pasta layers
Roasted vegetables add incredible depth of flavor

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This hearty casserole provides approximately 450-500 calories per serving when divided among 8-10 people. Each serving delivers a substantial 25-30 grams of protein from the combination of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, making it incredibly satisfying and muscle-supporting. The pasta contributes 35-40 grams of carbohydrates for energy, while the cheese and beef provide 18-22 grams of fat, much of which comes from beneficial dairy sources.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The lean ground beef provides high-quality complete protein plus essential B-vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell formation. Ricotta cheese offers calcium for bone health and contains all essential amino acids your body needs. The marinara sauce delivers lycopene from tomatoes, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when tomatoes are cooked. Garlic and onions contribute sulfur compounds that support immune function and cardiovascular health.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten (pasta), dairy (multiple cheeses), and eggs, making it unsuitable for those with these specific allergies. However, it’s naturally nut-free and provides a good balance of macronutrients. The high protein content makes it particularly satisfying, and the combination of carbs and protein makes it excellent post-workout fuel. Consider serving with a green salad to add fiber and micronutrients.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Ground beef → Ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage (adjust seasoning accordingly)
Ricotta cheese → Cottage cheese blended until smooth, or Greek yogurt mixed with cream cheese
Marinara sauce → Any pasta sauce you prefer, or make your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs
Fresh parsley → Fresh basil, oregano, or 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Fresh mozzarella → Regular part-skim mozzarella (often half the price)
Fresh Parmesan → Pre-grated Parmesan or even Romano cheese
Lean ground beef → Ground beef with higher fat content (just drain well after browning)
Whole milk ricotta → Part-skim ricotta works perfectly fine

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh garlic → 1 teaspoon garlic powder (add with other dried seasonings)
Fresh onion → 1 tablespoon onion powder or 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
Italian seasoning → Mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
Eggs in ricotta mixture → 3 tablespoons milk or cream for binding

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using higher-fat ground meat, drain excess grease before adding sauce to prevent greasy results
If using pre-shredded cheese, toss with a little cornstarch to prevent clumping during baking
Store leftover fresh herbs in water like flowers to extend their life for future cooking

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace 1 pound regular spaghetti with 12 ounces whole grain pasta or shirataki noodles to reduce total carbs by approximately 25-30%
Add 2 cups spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash mixed with 8 ounces regular pasta for a 50% carb reduction
Use chickpea or lentil pasta for higher protein and fiber, which helps slow blood sugar spikes

Portion & Blood Sugar Management:

Stick to 1/10th of the total recipe per serving (about 1 cup) to keep carbs around 25-30 grams
Pair each serving with a large green salad with olive oil dressing to add fiber and healthy fats
Include 4-6 ounces of additional lean protein like grilled chicken to further stabilize blood sugar
The high protein content from cheese and meat helps slow carbohydrate absorption

Smart Timing Tips:

Serve as lunch rather than dinner when your body processes carbs more efficiently
Wait 2-3 hours between eating and bedtime to allow blood sugar to stabilize
Consider this a special occasion dish rather than weekly meal prep

Estimated Carb Content: Traditional version contains approximately 35-40g carbs per serving; modified version reduces this to 20-25g carbs per serving

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich tomato sauce and beef beautifully, while the acidity cuts through the creamy cheese layers. For beer lovers, a crisp lager or Italian Pilsner provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon, which cleanses the palate between bites, or a robust iced tea that won’t compete with the complex flavors.

Side Dish Recommendations

A crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons provides textural contrast and helps balance the richness of the baked spaghetti. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients while their slight char complements the savory meat sauce. Garlic bread is classic but consider grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers for a lighter option that won’t overwhelm the meal.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with a light antipasto platter featuring olives, fresh mozzarella, and sliced tomatoes to set an Italian theme. The baked spaghetti serves as a perfect centerpiece for family dinners or casual entertaining. Finish with a palate-cleansing dessert like lemon sorbet or fresh berries with a drizzle of balsamic reduction to end the meal on a bright note.

Occasion Suggestions

This recipe shines at potluck dinners, family reunions, and Sunday suppers where you need to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for meal prep enthusiasts since it reheats beautifully and actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Secrets

Salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like seawater. This is your only opportunity to season the pasta itself, and under-seasoned pasta makes the entire dish taste flat. Let the casserole rest for 10 full minutes after baking; this allows the layers to set and makes serving much cleaner. For the silkiest ricotta mixture, bring eggs to room temperature before mixing – cold eggs can cause the mixture to curdle slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook the pasta initially since it continues cooking in the oven. Mushy pasta ruins the texture of the entire dish. Ensure your meat sauce has simmered long enough for flavors to meld – rushing this step results in a one-dimensional taste. Cover any exposed pasta edges with sauce to prevent them from drying out and becoming tough during baking.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. For larger portions, cover with aluminum foil and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days ahead, cover tightly with aluminum foil coated with cooking spray, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 15 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this an excellent entertaining option.

This baked spaghetti recipe proves that some of the best comfort food comes from simple techniques executed well, and once you master this crowd-pleasing casserole, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for every occasion that calls for something hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.