Easy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. View my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more details.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole with layers of buttery noodles, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese center that stays soft and flavorful instead of disappearing into the pasta. It bakes up bubbly, slices clean, and hits the perfect balance of saucy and cheesy in every bite. Mixing the cheeses separately creates a creamy middle that sets this recipe apart and keeps people coming back for seconds.

 

Ingredient Notes

• Fresh basil – adds brightness and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
• Ground beef – hearty, flavorful, and holds up well under sauce and cheese. You can swap in Italian sausage for more punch.
• Yellow onion + garlic – builds that savory base. Dice small so it melts right into the sauce.
• Marinara sauce – use your favorite. A good one saves time and still delivers big flavor.
• Water – sounds basic, but it loosens the sauce just enough so the pasta stays tender as it bakes.
• Spaghetti – classic and perfect here. Cook to al dente so it doesn’t over-soften in the oven.
• Butter – coats the noodles and keeps them from clumping… also adds flavor you’ll notice.
• Ricotta + cream cheese – this combo is the secret. Creamy, slightly tangy, and smooth.
• Mozzarella + parmesan – for melt and flavor. Use freshly shredded if you can, it melts better.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This baked spaghetti casserole (sometimes called million dollar spaghetti casserole) uses common pantry ingredients that you would expect when making spaghetti, plus lots of butter and cheese!! It’s simple, just a few steps, and totally doable on a weeknight. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what you can expect when putting this casserole together.

Step 1. Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, return to the pot, and toss with butter so every noodle is coated.

Step 2. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or pot, cook onion and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add marinara and a bit of water, then let it simmer while you prep the rest.

Pro Tip: Pour some water into the marinara jar, replace lid and give it a good shake to get every last bit of sauce. Stir water into the meat mixture.

Step 3. Preheat Oven + Mix the Cheese Layer

Preheat oven to 375° F. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Layer it up

Add buttered spaghetti to a lightly greased 9×13 glass baking dish or casserole dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Then pour the meat sauce on top and smooth it out.

Next, pour meat sauce over top the cheese layer and spread out evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5. Top + Bake

Sprinkle with more mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake at 375° F for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish + Serve

Top with fresh parsley, slice into squares, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Cook pasta just to al dente so it holds up during baking
• Spread the cheese layer evenly so every bite gets that creamy center
• Let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing… it sets up better
• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
• Season each layer lightly so the final dish tastes balanced

Grab These Kitchen Tools

Before you dive in, grab a few simple tools to keep things running smoothly:

• 9×13 baking dish – This is key for even baking and those clean, sliceable layers that hold together beautifully.
• Large skillet or pot – You’ll build the meat sauce here, so go with something roomy enough to stir comfortably.
• Mixing bowls – A good set makes combining the cheese layer quick, smooth, and a lot less messy.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Perfect for breaking up the beef and keeping everything evenly mixed as it cooks.

What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti

• Homemade Garlic Bread
• The Best Caprese Salad
• That Good Salad
• Hasselback Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Rolls
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Simple Bruschetta Recipe
• + 25 amazing side dishes for Baked Spaghetti!

Storing Leftovers + Make Ahead

Leftover baked spaghetti casserole is absolutely better the next day! I love leftovers like that. Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container with good fitting lid. Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen it up a bit.

Make Ahead – This casserole is easily made ahead by assembling the casserole up to the point of baking. Then cover the casserole with plastic wrap and store in the fridge up to 1-2 days until ready to bake as per the recipe card.

FAQ for Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Variations for Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a bolder flavor
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a slightly lighter texture
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
• Mix in cooked shredded chicken for a different protein option

More Italian Pasta Dishes to Try!

• Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta
• 45 Minute Spaghetti and Meatballs
• White Chicken Spaghetti
• Chicken Parmesan
• Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

This baked spaghetti is cozy, cheesy, and exactly what you want when pasta night needs an upgrade. The printable recipe card is below. Enjoy, friends! 

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.