Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Meat Sauce | CookOS

Baked Spaghetti

Name: Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 white onion, diced; garlic powder, to taste; Italian seasoning, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 lb spaghetti; 1/2 cup butter; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Baked spaghetti casserole combines seasoned ground beef marinara with creamy Alfredo pasta and melted mozzarella for a comforting, make-ahead family dinner.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Baked spaghetti 🏷️Pasta bake 🏷️Casserole 🏷️Spaghetti 🏷️Ground beef

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🏷️Alfredo

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Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 white onion, diced
garlic powder, to taste
Italian seasoning, to taste
black pepper, to taste
24 oz marinara sauce
1 lb spaghetti
1/2 cup butter
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced white onion until the beef is cooked through.
2
Season the meat mixture to taste with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
3
Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer over low heat.
4
While the meat sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5
To make the Alfredo sauce, melt the butter in a separate large pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and season to taste with more garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
7
Bring the cream mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
8
Place the cooked and drained spaghetti into a large baking dish.
9
Pour the Alfredo sauce over the spaghetti and toss to coat everything evenly.
10
Spread the meat sauce evenly over the top of the Alfredo spaghetti. Do not mix it in to keep the layers distinct.
11
Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
12
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding marinara to avoid a greasy casserole.
Cook spaghetti 1–2 minutes under al dente before mixing into the casserole; it will continue cooking in the oven.
Toss the Alfredo pasta gently to coat evenly, then layer it with meat sauce for consistent flavor throughout.
Sprinkle mozzarella in an even layer and bake uncovered so the cheese browns and develops a slight crust.

Substitutions

Ground beef → ground Italian sausage or ground turkey (adjust seasoning to taste)
Heavy whipping cream → whole milk or half-and-half (sauce will be thinner; use less)
Marinara sauce → homemade tomato sauce or vodka sauce (similar quantity)
Mozzarella → a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for deeper flavor

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish · large pot for boiling pasta · large skillet for browning beef

Common Questions

Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to bake time from cold.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well. Avoid very thin pastas that may become mushy.

How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?

Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling at the edges, about 30–40 minutes at 350°F.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based ground meat are good alternatives.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.

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