Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef

 

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a steaming plate of baked spaghetti with ground beef. This hearty dish brings together the rich depth of a slow-simmered meat sauce, the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked spaghetti, and the melty indulgence of bubbly cheese—all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart, fills your belly, and turns an ordinary evening into a cozy family gathering. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry crowd, or simply craving classic comfort, this baked spaghetti is the answer.

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Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key part in building rich flavor and perfect texture:

400g (14 oz) Spaghetti

Provides the base. Choose regular or thin spaghetti for best results. Cooked al dente, it holds up well during baking without turning mushy.

500g (1 lb) Ground Beef (80/20)

Adds savory depth and richness. The fat content enhances flavor and keeps the dish moist.

1 Small Onion, Finely Chopped

Brings sweetness and aromatic complexity to the sauce as it softens and blends with the meat.

1 Bell Pepper (Red or Green), Diced

Provides color, crunch, and subtle sweetness. A great way to sneak in extra veggies.

2 Garlic Cloves, Minced

Delivers bold, pungent flavor. Garlic is a foundational element in Italian-inspired sauces.

1 Can (400g/14 oz) Diced Tomatoes

Adds texture and natural acidity. Helps balance the richness of the beef.

1 Can (300g/10 oz) Tomato Sauce or Marinara Sauce

Creates the silky, flavorful base for the meat sauce that coats the noodles.

1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste (Optional)

Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.

1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning

A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to give the dish its signature Italian aroma.

½ Teaspoon Paprika

Adds warmth and slight smokiness.

Salt and Black Pepper to Taste

Enhances and balances all flavors.

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Used for sautéing, adds a fruity richness to the base layer.

1½ to 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese

Melted cheese crown. Creates that irresistible bubbly, golden crust on top.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (3–5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and optional tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until thoroughly coated. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.

5. Layer and Bake

Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

6. Rest and Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the dish to firm up and makes serving cleaner.

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Why This Recipe Is Loved

Easy to Make with pantry staples

Crowd-Pleaser – loved by kids and adults alike

Meal-Prep Friendly – reheats beautifully

Freezer-Friendly – store leftovers or prep ahead for busy weeks

Customizable – add mushrooms, sausage, spinach, or swap in gluten-free pasta

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Pro Tips for Perfecting Baked Spaghetti

Undercook your pasta slightly so it doesn’t over-soften in the oven.

Use a mix of cheeses (like mozzarella + parmesan) for more flavor and stretch.

Let it rest after baking so it sets and cuts easily.

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.

Double the recipe and freeze one for later—your future self will thank you.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked spaghetti with:

A crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette

Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks

A glass of red wine like Chianti or a chilled iced tea

For dessert, a light tiramisu or scoop of vanilla gelato rounds out the meal beautifully.

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Conclusion: A Weeknight Wonder with Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

This baked spaghetti with ground beef isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a heartwarming, family-approved, flavor-packed meal that hits the spot every single time. With simple ingredients and foolproof instructions, you’ll have a cheesy, saucy, golden masterpiece on the table in under an hour. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for four or a potluck party pleaser, this recipe delivers every time.

Make it once—and it’ll become a regular in your rotation. Bookmark this page, pin it, share it—because you’ll want 

this go-to recipe at your fingertips!