From the Cook
1/2
Easy Baked Spaghetti
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the spaghetti to the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce.
4
Spray an extra-large skillet generously with nonstick cooking spray, then set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned, 5-6 minutes.
5
Drain the fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the stove, and reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the marinara sauce over the meat and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture.
6
Place the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, the mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine.
7
Return the drained spaghetti to the pot. Add the meat sauce and stir to thoroughly coat the noodles.
8
Transfer half of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Drop the ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the spaghetti, and gently spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the top. Cover with the remaining noodles. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the top of the dish.
9
Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.
10
Bake the spaghetti on middle rack of oven for 40 minutes.
11
Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking until cheese on top is golden brown, about 15 minutes.
12
Check to see that spaghetti is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
13
Allow the spaghetti to rest for 20 minutes before serving. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top if you like.
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Brown Ground Beef Properly 🍖Break the beef into small, uniform pieces while browning and let it develop a deep golden crust for 5-7 minutes before adding sauce—this builds rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
- Layer Strategically for Texture 🧅Spread half the meat sauce first, then pasta, then ricotta mixture, then remaining sauce to ensure every bite has balanced flavor and the creamy layer doesn't sink to the bottom.
- Use Low-Moisture Ricotta Only 🧀Insist on low-moisture ricotta to prevent a watery, soggy casserole—regular ricotta releases excess liquid during baking and ruins the texture.
- Fresh Basil Timing Technique 🌿Reserve half your fresh basil to sprinkle on top during the final 5 minutes of uncovered baking so it stays vibrant and aromatic rather than turning dark and bitter.
- Bundt Pan Crispy Edge Hack ✨For those coveted crispy edges, use the 9½- or 10-inch Bundt pan and increase oven temperature by 25°F—the curved edges create more surface area that browns beautifully in the same 55-minute timeframe.
Recipe Facts
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.