Description
Need an easy dinner idea that’s hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table? This Easy Baked Spaghetti is the weeknight hero you’ve been craving. Perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, layers of cheese, and a creamy surprise in the middle make this dish a standout in the world of easy dinner recipes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting casserole, a quick meal prep solution, or something to bring to the next potluck, this baked spaghetti has your back. Great for fans of quick dinners, comfort food, or those seeking easy food ideas that taste like home.
Ingredients
16 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
3 cups marinara sauce
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Drain grease.
4. Add marinara sauce to the meat, then stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 5 minutes.
5. Spread half of the spaghetti into the baking dish. Add dollops of cream cheese and gently spread.
6. Pour half the meat sauce over the cream cheese layer.
7. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti and sauce.
8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Use a blend of beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner, spaghetti casserole, quick baked pasta