Baked Spaghetti and Meat Sauce with Parmesan Crust

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty baked pasta with a rich meat sauce and crispy Parmesan topping, ideal for satisfying weeknight cravings. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes blends spaghetti, ground beef, medium, diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain. In a skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook 5 minutes until onion is translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Add drained spaghetti and toss to coat.
  3. Step 3: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Mix 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese with 2 tbsp melted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over spaghetti. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Spaghetti and Meat Sauce with Parmesan Crust take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Spaghetti and Meat Sauce with Parmesan Crust?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Spaghetti and Meat Sauce with Parmesan Crust?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Spaghetti and Meat Sauce with Parmesan Crust for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Spaghetti and Meat Sauce with Parmesan Crust?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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