Name: Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Melty Cheeses 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 cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that warms you right up, this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Melty Cheeses Recipe is the answer. Trust me, it’s a family favorite that combines tender spaghetti, hearty ground beef, and all the gooey, melty cheese you could wish for. Once you dig in, you’ll want to make it again and again—plus, it’s easier than you might expect, even on a busy weeknight!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably have on hand, so it’s easy to whip up anytime.
Perfect Cheese Combo: The blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan gives you gooey melty texture with a punch of flavor.
Hands-Off Baking: You brown the beef and mix everything, but then the oven does the rest—no babysitting required.
Crowd-Pleaser: It serves a good-sized crowd, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Melty Cheeses, baked spaghetti recipe, cheesy baked spaghetti, ground beef pasta bake, family favorite spaghetti dish - 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

I love how these ingredients come together to create something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Plus, you can grab most of these from your local grocery store easily. Just a couple of tips: choose lean ground beef for less grease, and fresh cheeses can make all the difference in flavor.

Spaghetti: Cooking it just shy of al dente means it won’t get mushy during baking.
Ground Beef: Lean beef reduces excess fat but still packs plenty of flavor.
Onion: Adds fresh sweetness and depth to the beef sauce.
Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: Tiny herbs go a long way to give that classic Italian vibe.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic makes the sauce fragrant and savory.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite quality jarred sauce or homemade for even better taste.
Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmesan Cheeses: This combo brings creaminess, sharpness, and that irresistible golden crust.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to season everything just right.

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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

This easy baked spaghetti recipe is a great base that you can really make your own. Over time, I’ve tried lots of variations, so don’t hesitate to experiment and see what hits your comfort-food sweet spot.

Variation: If you want to sneak in some veggies, I toss in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the beef—adds flavor and nutrition!
Cheese swaps: I sometimes swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist. Or add a little cream cheese mixed in for extra creaminess.
Meat variations: Ground turkey or even Italian sausage can bring a new flavor dimension.
Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based meat crumbles and your favorite tomato sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Melty Cheeses Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Just Right

First up, heat a large pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti, but here’s the trick: cook it 2 minutes less than the package says. This keeps it firm enough to hold up while baking. Then drain and transfer it straight into your 9×13 baking dish—that way it’s ready to mingle with the sauce.

Step 2: Brown Beef & Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef along with chopped onion, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. If your beef is super lean, toss in a tablespoon of olive oil to help the onion soften. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft. Drain off excess fat if it looks greasy—too much fat can make the baked spaghetti soggy.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Marinara

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute to bring out its wonderful aroma. Then pour in the marinara sauce, stirring everything together and letting it warm through for a few minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper here—you want the sauce flavorful since it’s the star of the dish.

Step 4: Combine and Top with Cheeses

Pour the beef sauce over the spaghetti in your baking dish and give it a gentle toss so all the noodles are coated. Smooth it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses on top. This cheesy crown will bake into a bubbly, golden crust that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Bake ‘Til Bubbly

Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for about 20 minutes. If you’re like me and love a golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—but keep a sharp eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. After baking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; this helps everything set so you can cut neat squares easily.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Melty Cheeses Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Undercooking by 2 minutes prevents a mushy bake later—trust me, it makes a big texture difference.
Drain Grease Well: Too much fat can pool at the bottom and make this heavy; skim it off after browning the beef.
Layer the Cheese Generously: I find that a good 3-cheese mix gives perfect flavor and that melty, golden top you’re craving.
Rest Before Serving: Giving it 5-10 minutes to settle keeps everything from sliding everywhere when you slice it.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Melty Cheeses Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil on top when serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the richness of the cheese and beef. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts either.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and some garlic bread for dunking. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully and add a healthy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to bake this in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to give everyone a personal cheesy spaghetti pot. It’s so inviting, and guests love the presentation. Adding a little swirl of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top takes it up a notch too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld more overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just cover it well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe dishes before baking and freeze uncooked. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. It’s super convenient for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too; just sprinkle a few drops of water on top and cover loosely to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef sauce and cook the pasta in advance, then assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. This makes dinnertime easier, especially if you’re busy. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What type of cheese works best for this baked spaghetti?

I recommend a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan as used here—the mozzarella melts beautifully, cheddar adds sharpness, and parmesan contributes a savory depth and crispy top. But feel free to experiment! Gruyere or provolone are good alternatives.
Can I use frozen ground beef?

You can, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a watery sauce. Freshly thawed beef browns better and gives the sauce more flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use your favorite marinara sauce. The baked cheese topping keeps the dish hearty and satisfying even without meat.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Melty Cheeses Recipe has become my go-to for feeding hungry family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s that perfect combination of simple preparation and comforting flavors that just hits the spot every single time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple in your dinner rotation too!