Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

🍝 A Cozy Spin on a Classic

Cheesy, saucy, and irresistibly comforting—this baked spaghetti takes everything you love about pasta night and gives it a golden, bubbly upgrade.

Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping ahead for busy evenings, this casserole-style dish layers tender spaghetti, a hearty meat sauce, and optional melty cheese into one easy, satisfying meal.

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🧂 What You’ll Need

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spaghetti	1 lb	Cook until just al dente
Ground beef	1 lb
Onion, diced	1 small	Adds flavor base
Green bell pepper, diced	1
Red bell pepper, diced	1
Garlic, minced	2 cloves	Fresh is best
Crushed tomatoes	1 can (28 oz)
Tomato sauce	1 can (15 oz)
Italian seasoning	1 tsp
Dried basil	½ tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp	Adjust to taste
Salt	½ tsp	Or to taste
Olive oil	1 tbsp	For cooking the veggies and meat
Shredded mozzarella (opt.)	1 cup	For a cheesy top layer
Grated Parmesan (opt.)	½ cup	For added richness

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole.

2. Cook the Spaghetti
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, crumbling as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

4. Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until softened and aromatic.

5. Make the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

6. Mix Pasta and Sauce
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture, tossing until the noodles are fully coated.

7. Assemble and Bake
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top if using.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and lightly golden on the edges.

8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.