Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a vibrant Italian twist, the Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is destined to become your new family favorite. Imagine hearty spaghetti tossed in a flavorful meat sauce, tucked beneath a melty cheese topping, then baked until golden and bubbly. Every forkful brings together creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and zesty marinara all layered with traditional Italian spices. It’s the kind of meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests, and the best part is how everyone races for seconds. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about this Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is how every ingredient truly matters. They’re all easy to find, but each one brings something essential—be it richness, color, or that undeniable wow-factor in every bite.

• Spaghetti (12 oz): The heart of the dish—choose a reliable brand and cook just to al dente for a perfect texture after baking.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds savory depth and helps the beef and onions brown beautifully.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Delivers richness and satisfying heft; sausage brings extra spice if you love it!
• Small onion, diced: Gives gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the meat sauce.
• Garlic cloves, minced (3): Elevates the sauce with unmistakable Italian flair.
• Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Go for a good-quality, robust sauce—it’s the soul of this bake.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Reinforces classic Italian flavors in every layer.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): A pinch for those who love subtle heat.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Brings out all the other flavors—don’t be shy, but taste as you go.
• Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy, dreamy, and makes the bake extra luscious.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): For that irresistible stretchy, melty top.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds salty, nutty notes and forms a gorgeous golden crust.
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): An herbal touch for a fresh, colorful finish.

How to Make Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta

Start by cranking up your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to transform your casserole into piping-hot perfection. Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti in generously salted water until it’s just shy of tender (the pasta will finish cooking in the oven). Drain the noodles and set them aside—no one likes mushy spaghetti!

Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Vegetables

In a large skillet, drizzle in the olive oil and warm it over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s browned and the onions are soft and sweet, about 6 to 8 minutes. The aroma will already make your kitchen feel like a trattoria!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Toss the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté just until fragrant—about 1 minute. Then pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer for five more minutes to let those flavors really get cozy together.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Ricotta

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cooked spaghetti. Pour the warm meat sauce over the pasta, then spoon in the creamy ricotta. Gently give everything a toss, making sure every strand is coated with cheesy, meaty goodness. This is your sneak preview of how comforting your Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake will taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Evenly spread the saucy pasta into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out so every bite gets a bit of everything. Generously sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly with just a hint of toasty brown at the edges.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let your Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake rest for about five minutes after it comes out of the oven—this helps everything set for perfect slicing. Scatter fresh basil or parsley over the top for a final touch of vibrant color and flavor, and dig in!

How to Serve Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake

Garnishes

For that extra dash of wow, top your Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake with a whirlwind of fresh basil or chopped parsley right before serving. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan is always welcome, and if you love a bit of zest, add a few grinds of black pepper.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines with a crisp green salad—anything with arugula or romaine, a simple vinaigrette, and maybe some shaved fennel for crunch. Classic garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls are also fantastic partners, perfect for eagerly scooping up every little bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, scoop individual portions into small oven-safe dishes for a fun, personal touch—or let guests help themselves from the main pan for a cozy, family-style feel. This Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is also lovely served in a shallow bowl with extra warm marinara ladled on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Your Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ready to satisfy hungry diners at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the bake up to the point before adding the cheese topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheeses, and bake as usual. This is the ultimate gift to your future self!

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover your portion and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). Individual slices can also be popped in the microwave for quick meals, just be sure to cover loosely to avoid splatters and keep that cheesy topping moist.

FAQs

Can I make Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef or sausage and instead sauté your favorite vegetables—bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant all work beautifully. You’ll still get all that satisfying Italian flavor without the meat.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Definitely—cottage cheese is a terrific substitute and even gives the dish a slightly lighter, tangier touch. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing it in, so your bake stays perfectly creamy.

How do I avoid mushy pasta in my bake?

The key is to cook your spaghetti until just al dente—a minute or two shy of the package directions. The noodles will continue to absorb moisture while baking, and starting with slightly firm pasta guarantees the perfect texture.

Can I make Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just top with cheese and bake as directed. It’s a huge time-saver if you’re entertaining or want dinner ready for a busy weeknight.

What’s the best way to customize Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake for picky eaters?

Use ingredients your crew loves—swap in a different cheese, leave out the red pepper flakes, or use ground turkey for a lighter version. This bake is endlessly flexible, so let everyone join the fun and make it their own.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together quite like a bubbling dish of Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake, and with each cheesy, saucy bite, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes a regular request at your table!

Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. It features tender spaghetti tossed in a flavorful meat sauce, topped with a trio of cheeses and baked until bubbly. A satisfying and easy-to-make casserole that will surely become a favorite!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti Bake:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until browned and the onion is softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Prepare the sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese, mixing until well coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Add cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta or use ground turkey for a lighter option.
• This dish freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg