Baked Spaghetti
Baked Spaghetti is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Michelle Disla on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 46 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min
Cost: $21.15 total, $3.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 15 oz Alfredo Sauce (store‑bought jar)
- 0.5 cup Pasta Water (reserved from cooking pasta)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (any all‑purpose seasoning blend)
- 0.5 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 8 oz Shredded Parmesan Cheese (whole bag, grated)
- 1 lb Spaghetti (dry)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, raw)
- 24 oz Carbone Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Sauce (jar)
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 8 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (whole bag, shredded)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Cook Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook al dente, about 9‑10 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 212°F
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F while the pasta cooks.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine the Alfredo sauce, 2 Tbsp of reserved pasta water, softened cream cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, all‑purpose seasoning, Italian seasoning, and the shredded Parmesan. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Cook Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
Time: PT7M
Combine Sauces
Add the Carbone roasted garlic spaghetti sauce and brown sugar to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine, then fold in the prepared creamy sauce. Heat together for 2‑3 minutes until fully incorporated.
Time: PT4M
Assemble Casserole
Spread the cooked spaghetti evenly in the baking dish. Pour the meat‑sauce mixture over the pasta without mixing. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top, then scatter the chopped parsley.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the uncovered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 800
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 35g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Alfredo Sauce: Homemade alfredo sauce
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Spaghetti: Linguine, Fettuccine
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Carbone Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Sauce: Marinara sauce with garlic
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Honey
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Fresh basil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking spaghetti al dente
- Mixing creamy sauce until smooth
- Combining meat sauce with creamy sauce
- Baking uncovered for 25 minutes
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Add a splash of pasta water at the end of step 5 if the sauce seems too thick.
- Sauté a minced garlic clove with the ground beef for an extra flavor boost.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick
Stir in a little more reserved pasta water, 1‑2 Tbsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Sauce is watery
Let the sauce simmer a minute longer uncovered, or add a bit more grated Parmesan to thicken.
Cheese does not melt
Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 350°F and bake uncovered; if needed, broil for 1‑2 minutes at the end.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole, tightly covered, for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding 10 extra minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the creamy sauce and meat sauce up to step 5, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before assembling.
- Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked spaghetti casserole in Italian‑American cuisine?
Baked spaghetti casserole emerged in post‑World War II Italian‑American households as a way to stretch pantry staples like pasta, cheese, and ground meat into a hearty, family‑friendly dish. It reflects the American tradition of turning simple Italian ingredients into comforting, oven‑baked meals that could feed large families on a budget.
What are the traditional regional variations of baked pasta dishes in Italian‑American cooking?
While the classic baked spaghetti uses tomato‑based sauce, regional twists include adding creamy Alfredo in the Midwest, incorporating spicy arrabbiata in the Northeast, or layering ricotta and mozzarella in the South. Each variation mirrors the local tastes and ingredient availability of Italian‑American communities across the United States.
How is baked spaghetti traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, cut into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. Families often garnish the top with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a bright finish.
What occasions or celebrations is baked spaghetti casserole commonly associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Baked spaghetti is a popular choice for casual family gatherings, pot‑luck parties, and holiday meals such as Thanksgiving or Christmas when a crowd‑pleasing, make‑ahead dish is needed. Its comforting flavor also makes it a go‑to comfort food for weekend family dinners.
How does baked spaghetti casserole fit into the broader Italian‑American cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Italian‑American love for cheese‑laden, oven‑baked comfort foods, blending traditional Italian pasta with American convenience. The dish showcases the fusion of tomato, garlic, and dairy flavors that define much of Italian‑American cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for baked spaghetti casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include spaghetti, ground beef, tomato‑based pasta sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sometimes ricotta. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey or pork for the beef, a homemade Alfredo or marinara sauce instead of store‑bought, and cheddar or provolone in place of mozzarella.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked spaghetti casserole?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta (it should be al dente), using too much sauce which makes the dish soggy, and baking it covered which prevents the cheese from browning. Also, neglecting to season the sauce can lead to a bland final product.
Why does this baked spaghetti recipe use both Alfredo sauce and roasted garlic spaghetti sauce instead of a single sauce?
Combining Alfredo with roasted garlic spaghetti sauce creates a rich, creamy base while still delivering the depth of garlic‑infused tomato flavor. The dual‑sauce approach balances richness and acidity, preventing the dish from becoming overly heavy.
How do I know when the baked spaghetti casserole is done cooking?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is fully melted, lightly golden, and the edges are bubbling. Insert a knife into the center; it should come out hot and the pasta should be tender but not mushy.
What does the YouTube channel Michelle Disla specialize in?
The YouTube channel Michelle Disla specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with easy‑to‑follow techniques. Michelle often focuses on Italian‑American and American comfort dishes, providing step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Michelle Disla's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Michelle Disla emphasizes practical shortcuts, such as using store‑bought sauces and pre‑shredded cheeses, while still teaching the fundamentals of seasoning and layering flavors. Her videos prioritize clear visual cues and time‑saving tips, making Italian‑American classics accessible without sacrificing taste, unlike channels that focus on gourmet or highly technical preparations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
