Name: Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is one of those heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dishes that never disappoints. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich, savory meat sauce, and gooey, golden cheese all baked together into a comforting casserole. This recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine Main Course. Every ingredient serves a purpose, creating a harmonious blend of texture, flavor, and color—and once you give it a try, it just might become your new favorite baked pasta dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each component in this Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake has a starring role—bringing either richness, creaminess, bold flavor, or that irresistible bubbly top. These are simple staples, but together they create magic.

Spaghetti (12 oz): The backbone of the bake, providing a lovely bite that holds up through baking.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A classic Italian touch that helps soften the meat and onion while adding a subtle depth.
Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Delivers savory flavor and heartiness—choose your favorite for a custom twist.
Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma that infuse the meat sauce beautifully.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that essential garlicky zing that makes the sauce sing.
Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): The rich tomato base that ties everything together with classic Italian flavor.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings the unmistakable herbal notes that define this dish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to heighten all the flavors without overpowering.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth and sharpness to the sauce.
Eggs (2 large): The secret to a creamy, cohesive pasta layer that feels almost soufflé-like.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds tangy, nutty depth and helps bind the noodles.
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Nothing beats the stretchy, melty, golden lid this provides.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A bright, fresh finish that lifts the whole dish.

How to Make Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. This simple prep ensures nothing sticks and that each layer slides out beautifully when served.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions, aiming for that perfect al dente texture—just tender, with a slight chew. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ready to soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil, then add your ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion. Sauté until the meat is fully browned and the onion turns soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the savory backbone of your sauce.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce

Toss in the minced garlic and stir for just a minute, letting it release its aroma without burning. Then, pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. The sauce becomes rich, fragrant, and deeply flavorful.

Step 5: Prepare the Spaghetti Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the grated Parmesan. This duo will coat the cooked spaghetti, giving it wonderful flavor and helping bind the layers. Add the drained spaghetti, toss until every strand is shiny and coated, and get ready to build your bake.

Step 6: Layer the Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake

To assemble, spread half of your coated spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Follow with half of the savory meat sauce, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with a generous blanket of mozzarella on top to ensure maximum meltiness and golden color.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is deliciously bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will have everyone running to the kitchen!

Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let your Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This brief pause allows the layers to set, making for much cleaner (and prettier) slices. Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley, if you like, and serve while hot and fragrant.

How to Serve Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake

Garnishes

Finish your Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake with a sprinkling of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving. Not only does this add a pop of green color, but the herbs also provide a fresh, aromatic lift that balances the rich, cheesy layers. If you’re feeling extra, a grating of Parmesan right at the table never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

Pairing is everything! A crisp green salad dressed with a zippy vinaigrette is the ultimate counterpoint to the hearty, savory bake. Garlic bread or focaccia makes for a classic Italian-American partnership, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce. For a lighter touch, try steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus as your sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake doesn’t have to be strictly traditional. For a fun twist, portion the bake into individual ramekins for personal casseroles, or serve in stacked slices on a platter for a more dramatic, layered effect. You can even top each piece with a poached or fried egg for a brunch-worthy surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are never a problem with this dish! Once cooled, just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors will continue to marry, making for even tastier meals as the days go on.

Freezing

The Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is freezer-friendly. After cooling completely, either wrap the entire (unbaked or baked) casserole tightly, or slice and freeze portions individually. Well-wrapped, it’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, reheat slices in a microwave for quick lunches, or cover the full dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of extra sauce if you like it saucy, and always finish with fresh herbs for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta that can hold up during baking. Just follow the same instructions and enjoy a slightly different texture.

Is it possible to make this Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake vegetarian?

Yes, it’s easy to make a vegetarian version by swapping the meat for a plant-based crumble or loading up on sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. The result is just as satisfying and packed with flavor.

Can I assemble the dish in advance?

You certainly can. Prepare and layer the Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

What cheese substitutes work best?

If you’re out of mozzarella, provolone or fontina are great melty alternatives. For the Parmesan layer, Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier twist.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

The trick is to cook the spaghetti just to al dente and let the baking time finish the job. Overcooking before assembling means the noodles can turn soft, so keep an eye on timing for perfect texture in every forkful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and show-stopper, the Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake truly delivers. It’s the kind of recipe that turns busy nights into warm memories around the table and invites everyone back for seconds. Give it a try soon—you’ll love every cheesy, saucy, satisfying bite!

Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish, this Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is a cheesy and satisfying baked pasta casserole that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Mixture:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground beef or sausage with onion until browned. Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
Combine spaghetti and cheese: In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese. Toss with cooked spaghetti.
Assemble the bake: Layer half of the spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with basil or parsley and serving.