Name: Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked spaghetti; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 medium onion chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cloves garlic minced; 4 cups marinara sauce; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 cup shredded cheddar; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 49 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as simple as it is satisfying, then you’re going to love this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe. This dish is basically the ultimate cozy meal — the kind that instantly feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’m talking tender spaghetti baked with a rich ground beef marinara sauce, all crowned with a golden, bubbly cheesy topping. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using staple pantry items and fresh garlic creates a sauce that’s deeply satisfying without any fuss.
Perfectly Textured Pasta: Cooking spaghetti just shy of al dente lets it finish baking in the oven without getting mushy.
Cheesy Topping Magic: A blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan melts beautifully, giving a golden crust that’s pure comfort food bliss.
One-Dish Wonder: Cleaning up is a breeze since everything comes together in one baking dish.

Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping, baked spaghetti recipes, cheesy baked pasta, ground beef pasta bake, comfort food dinner ideas - A baked pasta dish is shown inside a white rectangular baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with browned spots, mixed with bits of browned meat and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. Underneath the cheese layer are visible spiral pasta shapes coated in a creamy sauce with a light orange tint, mingled with the browned meat throughout the pasta. The surface looks bubbly and textured with some crispy edges at the corners. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe plays a key role — from the ground beef adding meaty richness to that mix of cheeses that bring meltiness and flavor complexity. Some shopping tips? Grab a good-quality marinara sauce and try getting freshly grated parmesan if you can; it really elevates the cheesy finish.

Spaghetti: Cooking it just a bit less than package directions keeps the noodles firm after baking.
Lean Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor without too much grease; choose at least 85% lean for best results.
Onion: Gives sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: Instantly boosts the sauce with classic Italian herb aroma.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch adds a subtle kick but feel free to skip if you prefer mild flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that punch of savory goodness.
Marinara Sauce: The base for our sauce—choose a robust tomato marinara for richness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts up gooey and stringy, perfect for that indulgent topping.
Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharpness and color to the cheesy crust.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers nutty, salty brightness to balance the richness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step to make flavors pop.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe is how forgiving it is — I love swapping in different cheeses or adding veggies for some extra nutrition. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I stir in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra flavor and texture — it’s a sneaky way to get more veggies in.
Cheese Swap: If you’re feeling fancy, try smoked mozzarella or a bit of fontina instead of cheddar for a new twist.
Spice Level: I often add a dash more red pepper flakes if I want that extra heat kick, but it’s totally fine to keep it mild.
Low-carb Variation: Use spiralized zucchini noodles and reduce the sauce slightly for a lighter, grain-free version that still satisfies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. When it’s ready, add your spaghetti but remember to cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package says. This little trick is crucial — it keeps your noodles from turning mushy after baking. Once cooked, drain and toss the spaghetti into a large 9×13-inch baking dish. This gives you a perfect base for layering up all those amazing flavors.

Step 2: Cooking the savory beef sauce

While the pasta’s cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high and add your ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and any red pepper flakes you’re using. Normally, the beef releases enough fat to soften the onion, but if your meat is really lean, a tablespoon of olive oil helps. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every now and then until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Scoop out excess fat if there’s a lot—it’ll keep your sauce from feeling greasy.

Step 3: Building the sauce

Now stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Warm it through for a few minutes so all those flavors marry beautifully. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed—seasoning here really makes it sing!

Step 4: Assembling and baking

Pour that rich beef sauce over your cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Give everything a gentle toss so the pasta’s coated evenly, then smooth it into a nice even layer. Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top, then finish with a generous dusting of freshly grated parmesan. Slide it into your preheated oven at 375°F on the top rack to bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 5: Finishing touches

If you want to get fancy, switch your oven to broil for just a couple of minutes and watch that cheesy layer turn irresistibly browned and crispy—just don’t walk away! Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving. I usually sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, but that’s totally optional.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe

Just Undercook Your Pasta: This tip saved me from mushy baked spaghetti more than once—remember, it keeps cooking in the sauce and oven.
Scoop Out Excess Fat: Removing extra grease after browning the beef gives a cleaner, less oily sauce every time.
Mix Multiple Cheeses: Combining mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor, and parmesan for saltiness makes all the difference.
Watch the Broil Step Closely: I learned the hard way that a few seconds too long under the broiler can burn the cheese—don’t wander off!

How to Serve Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with chopped fresh parsley because it adds a bright color and fresh bite that cuts through the richness. Occasionally, I sprinkle a tiny dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, but that’s personal preference. Freshly shredded parmesan on top right before serving is also fantastic if you want to dial up the cheesy flavor.

Side Dishes

This baked spaghetti is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad—something light and tangy like a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty baguette are also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. For veggies, steamed broccoli or a quick roasted veggie medley adds a nice balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or potlucks, I like to bake this spaghetti in smaller, individual ramekins or muffin tins for easy portion control and a cute presentation. It’s also fun to sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top at the end or even a dollop of ricotta cheese for a creamy contrast. These little touches make it feel extra special without adding complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this delightful baked spaghetti, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it down completely before sealing to keep things fresh. When you reheat, it’s best to add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to keep the pasta moist.

Freezing

I’ve found this recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, I portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to preserve that lovely baked texture.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven is my go-to because it keeps the cheesy topping melty and fresh. Just cover the dish with foil to avoid drying out and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, removing foil near the end for a lightly crispy top. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too — just add a little extra sauce or water and heat in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a day ahead, then assemble and bake it right before serving. This is a great way to save time on busy evenings or when hosting guests.
What if I don’t have all three types of cheese?

No worries! You can use just mozzarella or cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. Parmesan adds a nice salty tang, but your dish will still taste great even if it’s missing.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Yes you can! Ground turkey or chicken will work nicely if you want a leaner option. Just be sure to watch cooking times since they tend to get dry faster—adding a splash of olive oil can help keep the sauce moist.
Is it okay to skip the broiling step?

Definitely. The broiling just adds a pretty browned cheese crust, but the dish is delicious and fully cooked after baking on its own if you prefer to skip it.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheesy Topping Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it hits that perfect balance of comfort food and simplicity. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make over and over again — whether you’re feeding the family, entertaining friends, or just craving a big plate of cheesy, meaty goodness. Give it a try and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dinners, too.