Unbelievably Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti Kidapproved

Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti KidApproved Comfort

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Cheesy Goodness!

Ever crave something that's both comforting and ridiculously easy? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm sharing my Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti .

It's the perfect blend of cheesy, beefy, and pasta-y perfection. You know?

Pasta Kids Love is Here!

This isn't just any Baked Spaghetti Recipe . It's a trip back to childhood, but even better. Think Italian Baked Spaghetti meets a Comfort Food Casserole .

It's Ground Beef Spaghetti Bake that's ready in about 50 minutes flat.

The Magic of Easy Cheesy

This recipe is pure genius. It's not only Budget Friendly Meals , but a surefire way to get smiles around the dinner table.

This recipe serves 6 happy bellies. It's truly an Easy Cheesy dream!

Weeknight Dinner Recipes for the Win

Forget stressing over dinner. This Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is your new best friend! It boasts a good dose of protein from the ground beef.

What's more? The whole family will actually want to eat it!

Ready to dive into this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti masterpiece? Then stick around, because next up are all the ingredients you'll need to make this magic happen. You got this!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti

Unbelievably Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti Kidapproved presentation

Right, let's talk ingredients for this Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti ! Honestly, this recipe is all about keeping things simple.

I've made this a million times, and tweaking it is totally fine. We want a Cheesy Baked Spaghetti masterpiece.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Spaghetti: 1 pound (450g) . Any shape works, even penne in a pinch. But spaghetti is classic.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Extra virgin is lovely, but any will do.
Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Lean or regular, your call. I usually go for whatever's on offer, to be honest. It's great comfort food casserole.
Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup/150g ). Yellow or white, doesn't matter too much.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Don't skimp on the garlic!
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon .
Salt: ½ teaspoon .
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can . Quality crushed tomatoes make all the difference. Look for a brand you trust.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is better, so you can control the salt.
Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup (250g) . Whole milk or part skim, up to you. This is what pasta kids love!
Egg: 1 large .
Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (15g) , grated.
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (200g) , shredded. Oh my gosh, the mozzarella is so important for the Cheesy Baked Spaghetti .

Seasoning Notes: Secret Spice Power!

A good Italian spice mix makes a huge difference. I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch. The essential spice combinations will really sell that Italian Baked Spaghetti .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef and making the sauce.
9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is what you'll bake the casserole in.
Colander: To drain the pasta.

No fancy gadgets needed for this ground beef spaghetti bake, honestly! If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large skillet will do just fine.

This Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti recipe is all about budget friendly meals and using what you've got! So get your chef's hat on, and let's get cooking!

Cooking Up Some Magic: Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good comfort food casserole ? We're talking about Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti , a dish so simple, it’s practically foolproof.

It's a Spaghetti Casserole Recipe that the whole family will adore. This isn’t just some baked spaghetti recipe ; it’s a memory in the making.

It's Italian Baked Spaghetti meets super easy weeknight dinner recipes .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, get organized! This Easy Cheesy wonder starts with prepping your ingredients. Chop one medium onion. Mince two cloves of garlic.

Seriously, doing this beforehand saves a ton of time. Grab your one pound of ground beef, the 1 pound of spaghetti, the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, a cup of beef broth, and your cheeses.

Finally, grab a cup of ricotta, a quarter cup of parmesan and two cups of mozzarella.

step-by-step to Cheesy Bliss

Get that oven going! Preheat it to 375° F ( 190° C) .
Cook your spaghetti according to the box. You want it al dente , not mushy. Drain well.
Brown your pound of ground beef in a large skillet with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Drain any fat. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Toss in that onion and garlic. Cook them 'til they're soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Give it a minute to get fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer this for 15 minutes, stirring now and then.
Mix the ricotta with one egg and ¼ cup of Parmesan in a bowl.
Layer it all! Half the spaghetti, half the sauce, dollops of ricotta, then repeat. Top with the 2 cups of mozzarella.

Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection

Don't overcook the spaghetti! Seriously, al dente is the key to avoiding mush. A big mistake is using cheap ingredients.

Go for good quality crushed tomatoes you'll taste the difference. You can make the sauce a day ahead. This Ground Beef Spaghetti Bake is also a budget friendly meal .

This Pasta Kids Love is a total game changer. Honestly, it’s so good, you’ll want to make it every week! Enjoy your Cheesy Baked Spaghetti !

Recipe Notes That Make All The Difference

Hey there, cooking buddies! So, you're about to dive into this Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti recipe. I’m so excited for you! I wanted to share some extra tips.

These will make your Baked Spaghetti Recipe even more amazing and ensure total success. Honestly, a couple of these things I learned the hard way.

LOL!

Serving Suggestions That Make It Pop

Let’s talk presentation. Nobody wants a bland looking plate, you know? Plating is key. Think about swirling the Italian Baked Spaghetti onto the plate, creating a little height.

Garnish with fresh basil. BAM! Suddenly, it looks like a restaurant dish.

As for sides, garlic bread is a no-brainer. But a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is also amazing.

It really cuts through the richness. I like to serve this Comfort Food Casserole with a side of steamed green beans.

A simple, well paired side makes this a complete meal.

Storage Tips For Future You

If you have leftovers, you are super lucky!. Let the Spaghetti Casserole Recipe cool completely. Then, cover it tightly. You can also transfer to an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . I promise you will enjoy it even more the next day.

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Cut it into individual portions first. This makes it easier to reheat later.

Wrap them tightly in foil and then in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months . To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave it if you are short of time.

Variations: Tailor It To Your Taste

Got dietary needs? No problem! Need a gluten-free option? Simply use gluten-free spaghetti. I found that the brown rice spaghetti works best.

Want a lighter version? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. I have made this with different meats. Each turns out delicious!

For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. I normally throw some seasonal vegetables to make it more fun.

The Ground Beef Spaghetti Bake will be a sure hit.

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's keep it real: this is a Comfort Food Casserole . But it also has some nutritional benefits. It’s packed with protein from the beef.

It has calcium from the cheese. It also has vitamins from the tomatoes.

This Easy Cheesy Pasta Kids Love recipe is a winner! It is budget friendly, too. It's an easy way to sneak some veggies in for the kids.

Every parent needs some Weeknight Dinner Recipes .

Alright, there you have it! A few extra tips and tricks to make your Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti experience even better.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Now get cooking and make it awesome!

Delicious Cheesy Baked Spaghetti The Ultimate Family Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti ahead of time? I'm thinking of prepping it on a Saturday for our Sunday roast (well, baked spaghetti!).

Absolutely! You can assemble the Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with cling film and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake it, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This is great for busy families who need dinner on the table quickly.

My kids are super picky eaters! Any tips for making this Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti more appealing to them?

We've all been there! Try finely grating some carrot or zucchini into the meat sauce they'll never know it's there and it adds extra nutrients. You can also use fun pasta shapes like spirals or shells.

Cutting the finished baked spaghetti into squares or serving it in individual ramekins can also make it more enticing for little ones.

I'm trying to cut back on carbs. Can I substitute anything for the spaghetti in this Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti recipe?

Great question! You could definitely try using zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash for a lower carb option. Just be sure to sauté the zoodles or spaghetti squash before assembling the casserole to remove excess moisture.

Alternatively, consider using whole wheat spaghetti for a slightly healthier alternative.

How should I store leftover Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For oven reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months.

What can I serve with this Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti to make it a complete meal?

To round out your meal, serve the baked spaghetti with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread are always crowd pleasers too! For a healthier option, steamed green beans or broccoli also pair well with the hearty pasta dish.

And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of Chianti is the perfect adult beverage!

Can I use different types of cheese in this Easy Cheesy Beef Baked Spaghetti recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that classic melty cheesiness, you can experiment with other cheeses to create your own unique flavour profile. Provolone cheese will add a slightly sharper and tangier flavour, while Monterey Jack will offer a milder, creamier taste.

You can also add a sprinkle of cheddar for a richer, more robust flavour.