DinnerBaking

Easy Baked Spaghetti: Cheesy Comfort Food Ready in 45 Minutes

Name: Easy Baked Spaghetti: Cheesy Comfort Food Ready in 45 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked spaghetti; 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean preferred); 0.5 medium onion (chopped); 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning); 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups marinara sauce (about a 32-ounce jar); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste); 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 cup shredded cheddar; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)

By Olivia HayesAug 17, 2026

This baked spaghetti recipe is a comforting combination of ground beef, marinara sauce, and a trio of cheeses for a satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday gatherings, it features a golden cheesy top that adds delightful texture. Simple to prepare, it can be made ahead and stored for convenient future meals. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner experience.

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45 min totalEasy6 servings

Ingredients

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Servings

•1 pound uncooked spaghetti
•1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean preferred)
•0.5 medium onion (chopped)
•0.5 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
•0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
•4 cloves garlic (minced)
•4 cups marinara sauce (about a 32-ounce jar)
•Salt (to taste)
•Pepper (to taste)
•1 cup shredded mozzarella
•1 cup shredded cheddar
•1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
•Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
2
Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook it for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate.
3
Once done, drain the spaghetti and add it to a 9x13 casserole/baking dish.
4
Meanwhile, add the beef, onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes to a skillet.
5
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat has browned, about 10 minutes.
6
If there's a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out.
7
Stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute, then add in the marinara sauce and cook until warmed through.
8
Pour the beef mixture over the spaghetti and toss until everything is coated.
9
Smooth it out into an even layer.
10
Top with the cheeses and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
11
Broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese if desired, watching carefully.
12
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then serve by cutting it into squares and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.