Name: Favorite Baked Spaghetti
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-491671H11M23S
Total time: PT-491671H11M23S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 jar (24 ounces) meatless pasta sauce; 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 5 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 cups 4% cottage cheese; 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Why You’ll Love Favorite Baked Spaghetti Recipe

This baked spaghetti recipe is loved for its rich flavor and comforting texture. It combines familiar spaghetti dinner flavors with a cheesy, casserole twist that’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd. The layers of pasta, meat sauce and cheese create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding family and friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
½ tsp seasoned salt
2 large eggs
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 Tbsp butter, melted
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh basil (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is tender, about 6–8 minutes; drain excess fat. Stir in the pasta sauce and seasoned salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan and melted butter. Add the drained spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss to coat.
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 13×9-inch or 3-quart baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, then half of the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella.
Repeat layers with the remaining spaghetti, cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella.
Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Let stand about 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 10 servings
Prep time: ~25 minutes
Bake time: ~1 hour (40 minutes covered + 20–25 minutes uncovered)
Stand time: ~15 minutes

Variations

Meat options: Swap ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a mix of meats for a flavor twist.
Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a meatless version.
Cheese lovers: Add provolone, cheddar, or ricotta for more cheesy richness.
Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through, or place the covered casserole in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until hot. For freezing, assemble but do not bake, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed.

FAQs

What kind of pasta should I use?

Regular spaghetti noodles are traditional for this recipe, cooked to al dente before baking.

Can I use a different sauce?

Yes — marinara, meat sauce or your favorite pasta sauce works well.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

You can skip the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, peppers or zucchini instead.

Can I use a different cheese?

Certainly — you can swap or add cheeses like provolone, cheddar or ricotta based on preference.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

Yes, cook the spaghetti before assembling so it’s tender in the baked dish.

Can this be freezer-friendly?

You can freeze before baking; wrap the assembled dish tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

Do I have to let it stand before serving?

Yes, letting it stand helps it firm up and makes it easier to serve.

Can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced hot peppers to the meat sauce for extra heat.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 13×9-inch or 3-quart baking dish works best for this amount.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it a few hours before baking and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Conclusion

Favorite Baked Spaghetti is a hearty, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners, potlucks or any time you crave comforting food. With layers of pasta, flavorful sauce and gooey cheese, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that feeds a group and reheats beautifully as leftovers.