🧀🍝 Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Tender spaghetti is coated with a rich, hearty tomato and beef sauce, then topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan.
The finished dish is bubbly, cheesy, golden, and incredibly satisfying. It is perfect for a family dinner, weekend meal, potluck, or casual gathering.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | About 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Method | Stovetop + Broiler |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked spaghetti combines everything you want in a comforting pasta dish: flavorful ground beef, rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and plenty of melted cheese.
The sauce is simmered with onion, garlic, oregano, and basil to create a savory base with plenty of depth.
The mozzarella melts into a deliciously stretchy topping, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and beautiful golden edges.
It is also easy to customize with vegetables, extra cheese, or different proteins.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Spaghetti | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Salt | For the pasta water |
For the Meat Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) |
| Beef broth | ½ cup (120 ml) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
For the Cheese Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1½ cups (about 170 g) |
| Grated Parmesan | ¼ cup (about 25 g) |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
The pasta should still have a slight firmness when bitten.
Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Avoid overcooking the spaghetti because it will continue cooking slightly during the final broiling stage.
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet.
Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the Tomato Meat Sauce
Add the tomato paste and stir for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
Add the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Allow it to simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should become thicker and more concentrated.
Preheat the Broiler
While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
Position the oven rack approximately 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) below the broiler.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add a small amount of the meat sauce to the cooked spaghetti.
Toss gently until the noodles are lightly coated.
Transfer the spaghetti to a large oven-safe baking dish.
Spoon the remaining meat sauce generously over the center of the pasta.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the meat sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan on top.
For the best melting texture, freshly grate mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Broil the Spaghetti
Place the baking dish under the hot broiler.
Broil for approximately 2–3 minutes, watching carefully the entire time.
The cheese should become melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Broilers can vary significantly, so remove the dish as soon as the cheese reaches your preferred level of browning.
Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven.
Sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley.
Allow the spaghetti to rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serve while the cheese is still warm, melted, and stretchy.
Best Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti
Cook the pasta al dente. Slightly firm spaghetti holds up better during baking and reheating.
Let the sauce reduce. A thick sauce clings better to the pasta and prevents the finished dish from becoming watery.
Use freshly grated mozzarella. It melts smoothly and creates a better cheese pull.
Don’t overdo the broiling. The cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Season gradually. Canned tomatoes, beef broth, and Parmesan can all contain salt, so taste the sauce before adding more.
Let it rest briefly. A few minutes allows the cheese and sauce to settle slightly, making serving easier.
Best Ingredient Options
Ground Beef
Lean ground beef works particularly well because it provides plenty of flavor without making the sauce excessively greasy.
You can also use a slightly higher-fat ground beef if you prefer a richer sauce.
Mozzarella
Low-moisture mozzarella is excellent for baking because it melts beautifully and develops a golden surface.
Freshly shredded mozzarella generally gives the best texture.
Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor.
Pecorino Romano can also be used for a slightly stronger, saltier finish.
Tomatoes
Good-quality canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and provide a consistent sauce throughout the year.
Recipe Variations
🧀 Extra-Cheesy Spaghetti
Add another ½ cup of mozzarella and a little shredded provolone for an extra-rich cheese topping.
🍄 Mushroom Spaghetti
Sauté 8 oz (225 g) sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding the garlic.
🌶️ Spicy Baked Spaghetti
Add ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a pleasant kick.
🫑 Vegetable Baked Spaghetti
Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce.
🍗 Chicken Spaghetti
Replace the ground beef with approximately 1 lb (450 g) cooked shredded chicken.
🌿 Italian Herb Spaghetti
Add fresh basil, oregano, and parsley for a more herb-forward flavor.
What to Serve With
A fresh green salad is a great match for this rich pasta dish.
Garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce.
You can also serve roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans.
For a complete family-style dinner, place the hot baking dish in the center of the table and serve immediately.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The meat sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can also assemble the spaghetti and sauce several hours before serving.
For the best cheese texture, add the mozzarella and Parmesan shortly before broiling.
If assembling the entire dish ahead of time, keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to heat.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
Keep the pasta covered to prevent it from drying out.
Reheating
For individual servings, microwave for approximately 1–2 minutes, stirring or checking halfway through.
For larger portions, place the spaghetti in an oven-safe dish.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes.
Remove the foil during the final few minutes if you want the cheese topping to become bubbly again.
Freezing
Cheesy baked spaghetti can be frozen for approximately 2–3 months.
For the best texture, freeze the pasta and meat sauce before adding the final cheese topping.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Add fresh mozzarella and Parmesan before reheating and broiling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
Overcooked spaghetti can become soft and mushy after reheating. Always start with al dente pasta.
Making the Sauce Too Thin
A watery sauce can make the entire dish soggy. Allow the tomato sauce to simmer uncovered until sufficiently thick.
Burning the Cheese
Keep a close eye on the dish under the broiler. Two or three minutes can be enough.
Using Too Much Sauce
The pasta should be generously coated, but excessive sauce can overwhelm the noodles.
Skipping the Resting Time
Letting the dish rest for a few minutes makes it easier to portion and serve.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
| Calories | 600 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti can all work well. Short pasta shapes are particularly convenient for baked versions.
Can I make this recipe without meat?
Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, zucchini, spinach, or a combination of vegetables.
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Yes, but freshly grated mozzarella usually melts more smoothly and gives a better cheese pull.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Cooked shredded chicken is an excellent alternative.
Why is my baked spaghetti dry?
The most common causes are insufficient sauce or overcooking the pasta. Make sure the sauce is generous and the spaghetti is cooked only until al dente.
Can I prepare it the day before?
Yes. Prepare the sauce and pasta, assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the cheese before the final broiling stage whenever possible.
How can I get extra bubbly cheese?
Use freshly grated mozzarella and place the assembled dish under a hot broiler for a short period while watching it carefully.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a simple, hearty dinner that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.
The combination of savory beef, rich tomato sauce, tender spaghetti, and bubbling mozzarella makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights as well as relaxed weekend dinners.
Serve it straight from the oven with fresh parsley, garlic bread, and a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal everyone can enjoy.