Name: Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked spaghetti; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 medium onion chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cloves garlic minced; 4 cups marinara sauce; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 cup shredded cheddar; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 42 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as tasty as it is simple, you’ve come to the right place. This Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe is one of those meals I keep returning to when I want something hearty without any fuss. Creamy, cheesy, and full of rich flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of savory ground beef, rich marinara, and a blend of four cheeses keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.
Simplicity Meets Comfort: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy weeknights without skimping on taste.
Cheese Blend Magic: Using mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and a four-cheese blend ensures the perfect gooey, melty texture with a punch of sharpness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This baked spaghetti reheats beautifully and freezes well, which makes life so much easier when you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping.

Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend, cheesy baked spaghetti recipe, easy ground beef casserole, family-friendly baked pasta, hearty cheese baked pasta - A baked pasta dish is shown inside a white rectangular baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with browned spots, mixed with bits of browned meat and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. Underneath the cheese layer are visible spiral pasta shapes coated in a creamy sauce with a light orange tint, mingled with the browned meat throughout the pasta. The surface looks bubbly and textured with some crispy edges at the corners. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe come together to create a familiar yet elevated dish. Each element plays a role ensuring you get layers of flavor, wonderful textures, and a hearty meal that’s easy to pull off. Pro tip: use good quality marinara and freshly grated Parmesan for noticeable flavor boosts.

Uncooked spaghetti: Cooking it slightly less than package instructions helps it finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
Lean ground beef: Adds savory richness without excess grease; leaning on 90% lean helps keep it from feeling heavy.
Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Essential for that classic Italian flavor that ties everything together.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick, which I love for balancing the richness of the cheese.
Garlic: Fresh and minced to pack aromatic punch and layers of flavor.
Marinara sauce: The base of the sauce – choose one with a fresh, balanced flavor to avoid overpowering sweetness.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that dreamy stretchy cheese texture everyone adores.
Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a lovely golden color on top.
Parmesan cheese: Brings nuttiness and a salty boost that lifts the whole dish.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning to finish—don’t skip, as it enhances every ingredient.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe is how customizable it is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit different moods and preferences, and I encourage you to do the same—making it truly your own keeps things fresh and exciting.

Variation: I sometimes swap out ground beef for ground turkey when I want a lighter option, and it still comes out delicious.
Extra Veggies: I’ve added diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed along with the onion to sneak in more veggies for the family.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, try stirring in a bit of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Cheese Swap: Occasionally I mix in a bit of fontina or pecorino Romano instead of cheddar to change up the cheese profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe

Step 1: Get that water boiling and preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and moving the oven rack to the upper third position—that way the cheese will melt and brown nicely without burning too fast. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta and enhances flavor, so don’t skip it! When boiling, cook the spaghetti for about two minutes less than the package says—a small detail that really makes a difference so your pasta won’t turn mushy after baking.

Step 2: Brown your beef and onions just right

While the pasta is cooking, toss your lean ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes into a skillet over medium-high heat. I’ve learned that if you’re using a very lean cut of beef, like 93%+, adding a tablespoon of olive oil helps the onions soften and develop flavor without drying out your meat. Cook it until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are tender—about 10 minutes. If you notice a pool of fat, scoop most of it out so the dish isn’t greasy.

Step 3: Sauce it up with garlic and marinara

Add minced garlic directly to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in your marinara sauce, stirring it through the meat and onion mixture. I like to let this warm together for a few minutes to blend those flavors, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This step is where all the magic happens: the sauce thickens just enough, and those little savory bites become irresistible.

Step 4: Combine pasta, sauce, and cheese

Drain your spaghetti once it’s just shy of al dente and immediately transfer it into a large 9×13 baking dish. Pour your beef mixture right on top and toss until the noodles are fully coated in that savory sauce. Smooth it all out evenly before sprinkling your mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses over the surface. You want a nice even layer of cheese so every bite gets that luscious melt.

Step 5: Bake and broil for perfect finish

Bake your casserole uncovered for 20 minutes—this gives the cheese time to melt and the sauce time to bubble up around the edges. If you love a golden, bubbly top like I do, pop it under the broiler for just a few minutes at the end. Keep a very close eye on it here, because broilers work fast and you don’t want to burn that gorgeous cheese. Once done, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes—this helps it set so it’s easier to cut and serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Undercook by a couple of minutes to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
Skim Excess Fat: Removing extra grease from the beef mixture keeps the dish from becoming oily.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality.
Watch the Broiler: Keep an eye on the cheese under the broiler to get golden brown without burning.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness beautifully. If you want an extra punch, a little grated Parmesan on the table invites everyone to help themselves.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlic roasted broccoli. I also like to serve warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to sop up any extra sauce—comfort food heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or dinners with guests, I sometimes bake individual portions in small ramekins—everyone loves their own personal cheesy baked spaghetti cup. You can also add a drizzle of chili oil or balsamic glaze over the top for an unexpected flavor twist and elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the baked spaghetti cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and flavors even develop further overnight (if you don’t mind reheating).

Freezing

I often freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Just make sure to cool it before freezing to prevent condensation. It freezes well up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover the portions with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until bubbly—this helps maintain that fresh-baked texture. You can also microwave individual servings, but I recommend adding a splash of marinara or water to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this baked spaghetti recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to substitute with penne, ziti, or rigatoni—they all hold sauce well and bake beautifully. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so the pasta isn’t too soft after baking.
Is it okay to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or load up on sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious meatless version that still satisfies.
How do I prevent the baked spaghetti from drying out?

Make sure you don’t overbake it, and using a sauce that’s not too thick helps. Also, letting it rest before serving allows the pasta to reabsorb some moisture for a creamy finish.
Can I prepare Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, bake it fresh adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Four Cheese Blend Recipe has become my go-to comfort dish when I want something filling but fuss-free. It’s one of those meals that brings people together—whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need an easy dinner to share with friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe even put your own spin on it to make it truly yours!