Name: Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 2 tablespoons butter (for tossing cooked pasta); 1 pound ground beef; ½ pound Italian sausage (optional, or use all ground beef); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper (to taste); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese); 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm, cheesy hug in a casserole dish, then you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe. Trust me, once you try this rich, creamy, and saucy baked spaghetti, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. I absolutely love how it’s like lasagna’s easier, richer cousin—so perfect for busy weeknights or those cozy family dinners. Stick with me because I’m spilling all my best tips to make sure your version turns out just as incredible as mine every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Cheese: Cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan combine for that irresistible melty, creamy texture.
Easy Comfort Food: All the flavor of lasagna with less fuss and fewer layers—perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd.
Customizable: You can swap Italian sausage for all beef, add spices, or tweak cheeses to fit your family’s tastes.
Great Make-Ahead Meal: Prep it in advance and freeze for those days when you want dinner ready to go.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked lasagna. The top layer is covered in melted cheese that is golden brown and slightly crispy in some spots. Underneath the cheese, a rich tomato meat sauce is visible around the edges where the cheese has bubbled and spread. The lasagna is thick with several layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese stacked closely together. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Spaghetti, cheesy baked spaghetti recipe, baked spaghetti casserole, easy cheesy pasta bake, comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this cheesy baked spaghetti recipe work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Look for fresh cheeses and a good quality marinara sauce for the best results. Bonus tip: Italian sausage adds an extra punch of flavor but feel free to skip it or use more ground beef if you prefer.

Flat lay of a bundle of uncooked spaghetti, a small pat of yellow butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a mound of fresh ground beef, a small pile of raw Italian sausage links, one whole small yellow onion, three whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing mixed Italian seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, and another small white ceramic bowl with black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Baked Spaghetti, cheesy baked spaghetti recipe, baked spaghetti casserole, easy cheesy pasta bake, comfort food recipes

Spaghetti: Use regular spaghetti and cook it just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the bake.
Butter: Tossing the cooked pasta with butter keeps it rich and helps the sauce cling better.
Ground Beef: I always go for lean to keep the dish from getting greasy, but a little fat means more flavor.
Italian Sausage: Optional but highly recommended for a deeper, spiced flavor profile.
Onion: Finely chopped so it blends into the sauce and stays soft and sweet.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really brings that aromatic boost.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a good quality jar or homemade for more flavor—you’ll taste the difference here.
Italian Seasoning: Classic combo of herbs that elevates your sauce without extra effort.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, don’t skip seasoning—it awakens all the other flavors.
Cream Cheese: Softened and mixed in for that creamy, luscious texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Or cottage cheese for a lighter option; it adds a lovely tangy creaminess.
Sour Cream: For extra richness and a slight tang—it’s my favorite secret ingredient.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for sharp, nutty flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded on top for that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this cheesy baked spaghetti recipe countless times, and I love encouraging you to make it your own. Switch up cheeses, add veggies, or swap meats—this recipe is forgiving and perfect for tweaking based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Meat-Free: I once swapped the meat for sautéed mushrooms and spinach and was surprised how hearty it stayed—perfect for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a bit of heat that wakes up the flavors.
Cheese Swap: Try swapping out ricotta for cottage cheese to cut calories or add a little shredded provolone for a smoky twist.
Veggie Add-In: Roasted bell peppers or zucchini stirred into the meat sauce add a fresh layer I adore.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—it prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. Cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water until it’s al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite, not mushy. Drain it well, then toss with butter to keep the noodles luscious and separated while you prepare the sauce. This little trick really makes a difference for the final texture.

Step 2: Build the Savory Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until no pink remains, then drain the excess fat. This keeps things from getting greasy but leaves all that meaty flavor. Add finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft, followed by the garlic for another minute. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld—this simmer is crucial for a rich, balanced sauce. Taste and adjust your seasonings here; it’s your flavor base!

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. This is the magic that sets this recipe apart from your typical baked spaghetti. I like to make sure it’s nice and smooth—sometimes I even use a hand mixer for just a few seconds. This smoothness helps the cheese layer spread evenly and melt beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Layer It Up Like a Pro

Take about a cup of your savory meat sauce and mix it in with the cooked spaghetti—this helps the noodles absorb some of that yummy flavor. Spread half of the spaghetti into your greased baking dish. Then, spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese and pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over everything. This layering is what makes that perfect marriage of flavors and creamy goodness.

Step 5: Top, Cover, and Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover your dish tightly with foil to lock in steam and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. When you pull it out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this pause lets everything set so you get neat, delicious portions.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente spaghetti holds up best through baking and won’t turn mushy.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It mixes easier, making your cheese layer ultra-smooth.
Simmer Sauce Gently: Let your meat sauce simmer to develop richer flavors before assembling.
Rest Before Serving: Patience pays off—this step keeps your casserole from falling apart when cutting.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

A white bowl filled with two main layers, the bottom layer is a serving of thick spaghetti noodles in a light orange sauce mixed with crumbled brown meat scattered throughout. The top layer is a rectangular piece of chicken covered with bubbly, browned melted cheese and sauce dripping over the edges. The dish is sprinkled thinly with chopped green herbs for color. A gold fork with a dark handle rests on the bottom left edge of the bowl with a woman's hand holding it. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, and the background is a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Spaghetti, cheesy baked spaghetti recipe, baked spaghetti casserole, easy cheesy pasta bake, comfort food recipes

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving—it adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts either if you want to amp up the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread is a no-brainer here—crispy, buttery, and fragrant. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully and keeps the meal balanced. Sometimes I also love steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a veggie touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this recipe in individual ramekins for adorable single servings that look fancy and make plating a breeze. You can also jazz it up with a parmesan crust by mixing panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkling on top before baking—super crispy and addictive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the baked spaghetti completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to meld further.

Freezing

This cheesy baked spaghetti recipe freezes like a charm. You can assemble it in your baking dish, wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through—usually about 20 minutes depending on portion size. This keeps the cheese creamy and prevents drying out, unlike the microwave which can make it a bit tough.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the meat and load up on veggies like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. For extra protein, consider adding cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Just cook your veggies well to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?

I recommend using fresh, good-quality cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), Parmesan, and mozzarella. These cheeses create that rich, creamy texture and a golden bubbly top that defines this recipe. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella if possible since it can have anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps flavors meld nicely. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just remember to thaw completely before baking.
How do I prevent the baked spaghetti from drying out?

Covering it tightly with foil for most of the baking time traps moisture and helps keep the pasta and cheese creamy. Also, tossing the pasta with butter before layering helps retain moisture. Let it rest after baking so the sauce absorbs and sets.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free spaghetti works well here. Just cook it carefully according to package instructions to avoid getting mushy, and handle gently while assembling. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy baked spaghetti recipe has quickly become a beloved classic in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and saucy goodness that feels like a special treat but comes together with surprisingly little fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving some cozy comfort food, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—once you do, you’ll have a new go-to meal that everyone, including you, will crave again and again.