Baked Spaghetti – Make Ahead + Freezer Friendly :A Deliciously Easy Comfort Dish

Baked spaghetti is the perfect comfort food that combines the heartiness of traditional spaghetti with a cheesy, baked goodness that makes it irresistible. Whether you're meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or looking for an easy freezer-friendly dinner option, this baked spaghetti recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.

In this article, we'll walk you through a delicious make-ahead baked spaghetti recipe, complete with tips for freezing, reheating, and customizing it to your taste. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your baked spaghetti turns out perfectly every time!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Recipe

✅ Make-Ahead Convenience – Prep it in advance and bake it when you need it. ✅ Freezer-Friendly – Stores well for future meals, making busy weeknights stress-free. ✅ Family Favorite – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. ✅ Cheesy & Satisfying – A combination of melty cheese and flavorful meat sauce baked to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheesy Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1 egg

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley until well combined.

4. Assemble the Baked Spaghetti

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

• Layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in the dish.

• Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.

• Spoon half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer.

• Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.

5. Bake the Spaghetti

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

To Make Ahead:

• Assemble the baked spaghetti as instructed but do not bake.

• Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and then bake as directed.

To Freeze:

• Prepare the spaghetti in a freezer-safe dish.

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and label with the date.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

To Reheat from Frozen:

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Bake covered at 375°F for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

• If baking directly from frozen, bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

FAQs About Baked Spaghetti

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine. However, spaghetti works best because it layers well.

2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta. You can also use cream cheese for a richer taste.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.

4. How do I prevent baked spaghetti from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking, as it will absorb sauce in the oven. Also, covering the dish with foil for most of the baking time helps retain moisture.

5. Can I add extra cheese?

Yes! Feel free to add more mozzarella or even cheddar for extra cheesiness. Some people also love adding a layer of provolone slices for an extra gooey texture.

6. How long does baked spaghetti last in the fridge?

Baked spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

7. Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes! A good-quality jarred marinara sauce works great and saves time. However, if you prefer homemade sauce, you can use your favorite recipe.

Final Thoughts

Baked spaghetti is a hearty, delicious, and incredibly convenient meal that you can prepare in advance and freeze for later. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

With its layers of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that brings comfort to every bite. Try this make-ahead and freezer-friendly recipe today—you won’t be disappointed!

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!