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Cheesy Oven Baked Beef Spaghetti

This savory oven-baked beef spaghetti casserole brings together tender noodles, seasoned ground meat, and layers of melty cheese in a comforting, hearty dish ideal for weeknight dinners. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it also reheats beautifully—perfect for next-day leftovers.
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Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheesy Oven Baked Beef Spaghetti
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 12 ounces of spaghetti noodles cooked until just tender
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese split
  • 2 cups prepared marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cloves of garlic crushed or finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herb blend
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil or nonstick cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
  • Salt and ground black pepper to preference
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus ½ cup extra for topping
  • 1 large egg whisked
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Instructions

  • Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened. Introduce the ground beef to the pan and sauté until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ¼ cup of the grated parmesan. Fold in the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly to coat the noodles.
  • Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Spread half of the cheesy pasta mixture in the bottom, followed by half of the beef and sauce. Repeat the layering with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce. Sprinkle the top with the reserved mozzarella and parmesan.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
  • Allow the casserole to sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set. Slice into portions and serve while warm.

Notes

This dish stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.