Baked Spaghetti Recipe for 9x13 Pan: Easy & Delicious Dinner

Baked spaghetti is a comforting, hearty dish that combines classic Italian flavors with the convenience of oven baking. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe ensures a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying meal that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. Its baked nature helps meld the flavors beautifully, creating a dish that tastes as good as it looks and makes for easy leftovers.

Ingredients

12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti pasta
1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces (680 g) marinara or tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta and the sauce mixture. Stir until well combined.

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13 dish. Spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Tips

For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with heavy cream or add a splash of white wine to the sauce during simmering.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Leftover baked spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked spaghetti with a simple green side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up the flavorful sauce. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.

Variations

Customize this baked spaghetti to suit your taste by adding ingredients such as sliced olives, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. For a creamier version, mix in dollops of ricotta cheese or cream cheese before baking. You can also make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked spaghetti in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For quick reheating, microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare baked spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti. Just cook them according to package instructions until al dente, then proceed with the recipe.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta?

Yes, the pasta needs to be cooked beforehand to ensure it’s tender and to prevent the baked dish from becoming overly dry or undercooked. Cooking al dente helps it hold up during baking.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

To avoid burning, cover the dish with foil during the initial baking phase. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown evenly. Using a lower oven temperature or placing the dish on a middle rack can also help.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Be sure to cook it according to package instructions and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

What if I want to make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before baking. You can also top with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe for 9×13 Pan: Easy & Delicious Dinner