Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delicious Baked Spaghetti, affectionately known as “Spasagna”! This mouth-watering dish, inspired by a beloved restaurant classic, combines layers of creamy Alfredo-coated spaghetti, rich meaty marinara, and gooey melted cheese into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Forget complicated multi-step meals; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with straightforward preparation, making it an instant family favorite.
A Delicious Spaghetti Casserole Reinvented
Have you ever craved that rich, comforting “Spasagna” from popular casual dining restaurants? This recipe brings that delightful experience right into your kitchen. Spasagna is more than just baked spaghetti; it’s a clever fusion of the best elements of spaghetti and lasagna. We take tender spaghetti noodles, coat them in a luscious Alfredo sauce, top them with a savory meat sauce, and then blanket the entire dish in a generous layer of mozzarella cheese before baking it to golden perfection. The result is a hearty, satisfying casserole that stands out from your average weeknight pasta. It’s a meal that promises warmth, flavor, and a generous helping of cheesy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Spaghetti
Before diving into the recipe, let’s address some common questions to ensure your baked spaghetti turns out perfectly every time. Understanding these key aspects will help you master this comforting dish.
Yes, absolutely! For almost all pasta casseroles or baked pasta dishes, it is crucial to cook the pasta beforehand. Baking dry pasta will result in hard, unappetizing noodles. Cooking it al dente (slightly firm) before adding it to the casserole ensures the pasta maintains a pleasant texture and absorbs the delicious sauces without becoming mushy. This step is essential for the overall success of your baked spaghetti.
Baked pasta often turns out dry when there isn’t sufficient liquid or sauce to coat the noodles and keep them moist during the baking process. In this particular recipe for baked spaghetti, the problem of dryness is beautifully solved by coating the spaghetti noodles generously with creamy Alfredo sauce. This rich, thick sauce acts as a protective layer, locking in moisture and ensuring that every bite of spaghetti remains tender and flavorful, even after baking in the oven. It prevents the pasta from becoming brittle and helps create that desirable, gooey texture.
Yes, covering your baked pasta dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking phase is highly recommended. This practice serves two important purposes: firstly, it helps prevent the pasta and sauce from drying out prematurely, ensuring all the components remain moist and tender. Secondly, covering the dish traps steam inside the casserole, which aids in evenly heating the ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking if you desire a golden-brown, bubbly cheese crust on top.
Baked spaghetti is an excellent make-ahead meal and freezes wonderfully! You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, simply pull it out of the freezer and bake directly, adding extra cooking time until it’s heated through and bubbly. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely before freezing. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping, busy weeknights, or unexpected guests.
Storing leftovers is simple. Place any remaining baked spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. For optimal freshness and safety, consume the leftovers within three to four days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for individual servings or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of extra spaghetti sauce or a little water can help revive the moisture if it seems a bit dry after reheating.
Essential Ingredients for Your Spasagna
Crafting the perfect baked spaghetti requires a few simple yet crucial ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility and the way these components come together to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaghetti Noodles: The foundation of our dish. Choose a good quality brand for the best texture.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well, or a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor.
- Spaghetti Sauce: A good quality jarred marinara or your favorite homemade spaghetti sauce will do the trick.
- Jar Alfredo Sauce (Cheese Sauce): This is the secret ingredient that adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the spaghetti, preventing it from drying out and elevating the flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs that infuses both the meat sauce and the Alfredo spaghetti with aromatic depth.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The final touch for that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
How to Make The Best Baked Spaghetti
Creating this delicious baked spaghetti casserole is surprisingly simple, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Follow this guide to assemble your very own Spasagna masterpiece.
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Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial first step ensures your spaghetti casserole won’t stick and makes for easy serving. -
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti noodles and cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente. Al dente pasta means it’s still slightly firm to the bite, which is perfect for baking as it will absorb additional moisture in the oven without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the noodles very thoroughly. Excess water can make your casserole watery.
Ensure your spaghetti is well-drained for optimal results. -
Brown the Ground Beef:
While your spaghetti noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet or sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and crumbled. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan. This step is important for preventing a greasy casserole and allows the sauce to better adhere to the meat.Perfectly browned ground beef forms the hearty base of the meat sauce. -
Combine Beef with Spaghetti Sauce:
Return the drained ground beef to the pan. Pour in your jarred spaghetti sauce. Stir well to thoroughly combine the meat and sauce, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let it simmer gently over low heat while you prepare the spaghetti. This allows the flavors to meld.The rich meat sauce coming together, fragrant and ready. -
Coat the Spaghetti with Alfredo:
Once the cooked spaghetti noodles are thoroughly drained, return them to their original pot (or a large mixing bowl). Add the jarred Alfredo sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir vigorously until all the spaghetti noodles are evenly and thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and aromatic herbs. This creates the signature creamy layer of Spasagna.Creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti. -
Layer the Casserole – Spaghetti Base:
Transfer the Alfredo-coated spaghetti noodles into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish, forming a solid and delicious base.The foundation of your Spasagna: creamy spaghetti. -
Layer the Casserole – Meat Sauce:
Next, spoon the warm spaghetti sauce mixture (ground beef and marinara) evenly over the top of the Alfredo spaghetti layer. Make sure to spread it from edge to edge for consistent flavor in every bite.A generous layer of rich meat sauce completes the savory middle. -
Layer the Casserole – Cheese Topping:
Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the meat sauce. This will melt down to form a bubbling, golden, and incredibly delicious cheese crust.The final flourish: a blanket of shredded mozzarella. -
Bake to Perfection:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you prefer a slightly browned cheese topping, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.Covered and ready to bake, sealing in all the flavors. -
Rest, Slice, and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool and set for about 5-8 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the layers firm up, making it easier to cut neat, appealing slices.A golden-brown masterpiece, hot and ready to be carved. -
Enjoy Your Spasagna:
Serve your delightful baked spaghetti with a fresh green salad and warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Every forkful promises comfort and flavor!The ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti
Elevate your Spasagna from good to gourmet with these helpful hints and expert advice:
- Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Always aim for al dente spaghetti. Since it will bake further in the oven, slightly undercooked pasta will reach perfection, while fully cooked pasta might turn mushy.
- Thoroughly Drain the Beef: Removing excess grease from your ground beef prevents your meat sauce from being oily and ensures a cleaner, richer flavor.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, the quality of your spaghetti sauce and Alfredo sauce can significantly impact the final taste. Opt for brands you love, or better yet, use homemade sauces if you have them.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. For the best gooey, bubbly topping, shred your own mozzarella from a block.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, or some fresh basil can brighten the flavors.
- Resting Time is Key: Don’t skip the 5-8 minute resting period after baking. This allows the layers to settle and makes for much cleaner slices when serving.
- Make it Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to your meat sauce for extra vegetables. You could also swap ground beef for Italian sausage or a combination of both for a different flavor profile.
Customization and Variations
While this classic Spasagna recipe is fantastic as is, it also offers plenty of room for creative modifications to suit your taste and pantry.
- Protein Power-Ups: Instead of or in addition to ground beef, try ground Italian sausage (mild or hot), ground turkey, or even shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in finely diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into your meat sauce for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté them first to soften.
- Cheese Please: Beyond mozzarella, consider adding a layer of provolone, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even some ricotta cheese mixed with an egg for an extra creamy, lasagna-like element.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce can add a delightful warmth, or a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is traditional, you can certainly use other long pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even bucatini for a unique twist.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved this Baked Spaghetti, you’ll definitely want to explore these other comforting and flavorful pasta dishes and sides:
- Pizza Hut Garlic Cheese Bread
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Baked Spaghetti For Two
- Taco Spaghetti
- Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Cowboy Spaghetti
- School Cafeteria Spaghetti
- Spaghetti “Cupcakes”
- Spaghetti Cups
- Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Crock Pot Beef Ragu
The Best Baked Spaghetti (Spasagna)
The Best Baked Spaghetti, also known as Spasagna, is inspired by the meal that used to be served at Cheddar’s restaurants. Enjoy Alfredo coated spaghetti topped with savory meat sauce and plenty of cheese!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 26 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
- 16 ounce jar alfredo sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F degrees (175°C). Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain noodles very well.
- While the spaghetti noodles are cooking, brown and crumble ground beef in a large sauce pan. Drain excess grease.
- Put ground beef back in pan and add spaghetti sauce. Stir to combine well.
- Meanwhile, once the cooked noodles are drained, put them back into the pot. Stir in alfredo sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Stir well to thoroughly coat noodles with the Alfredo sauce.
- Place the coated spaghetti noodles into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes (until cheese is melted and bubbly). For a golden top, remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
Video
Watch how to make this delicious Baked Spaghetti with our step-by-step video guide:
Watch the Baked Spaghetti Recipe Video on YouTube
Notes
- Allow the baked spaghetti to cool for about 5-8 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread.
- Baked Spaghetti can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. Refer to the FAQ section above for detailed freezing and storage tips.
- While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other long pasta varieties like fettuccine or linguine for a slight variation in texture.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 1080mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimated value. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.
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*Spasagna is a registered trademark of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen restaurant. This recipe is an homage to a beloved dish, designed for home cooking enjoyment.