Dinner

Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe

Name: Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491246H29M55S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ¾ lb. spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef (can also use ground sausage or turkey); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings; 32 oz. marinara sauce; 8 oz. Ricotta cheese (equal to 1 cup); 2 Tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; Parsley, to garnish

ByHailey Reed December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

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Introduction

Baked spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce and melty cheese, it’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of a white dish filled with a baked spaghetti casserole. The top layer is melted golden cheese, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. Below the cheese, there is a thick, saucy layer of cooked spaghetti mixed with ground meat and small pieces of green peppers, all coated in a rich orange-brown tomato sauce. The spaghetti strands are visible, some lifted by a fork revealing a gooey, cheesy, and meaty texture underneath. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ lb. spaghetti
1 pound ground beef (can also use ground sausage or turkey)
1 medium onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
32 oz. marinara sauce
8 oz. ricotta cheese (equal to 1 cup)
2 Tablespoons cream cheese (at room temperature)
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While waiting for the water to boil, start the next steps.
Step 3: In a large nonstick skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Add the seasoned salt, Italian seasonings, diced onion, and green pepper to the beef. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 5: Lower the heat and add the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the mixture is heated through.
Step 6: Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the sauce. Use kitchen tongs to gently toss until well combined. The mixture will be saucy, but the pasta will absorb it during baking.
Step 7: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half (2 cups) of the shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 8: Add the remaining spaghetti mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is hot and melted. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Step 10: For make-ahead instructions, refrigerate after assembling and bake later as desired.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or omit the cream cheese for less richness.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
Garnish with fresh basil or oregano for a herby twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Freezing is possible; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white casserole dish filled with spaghetti layered with melted cheese, meat sauce, and small green herbs sprinkled on top. The top layer is a bubbly, golden-brown melted cheese covering the noodles and chunks of browned ground meat mixed into a creamy tomato sauce. A fork lifts a generous serving, revealing long strands of spaghetti coated in the sauce and cheese, with bits of sauce and herbs clinging to the pasta. The casserole edges are lightly stained with the reddish sauce, and the texture of the melted cheese looks gooey and stretchy. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked spaghetti in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well as they hold the sauce nicely. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type and package instructions.