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🍝 Celebrating #NationalSpaghettiDay the Most Delicious Way Possible!
You know what’s better than classic spaghetti? Layered, cheesy, saucy, creamy baked spaghetti—the kind that goes viral for a reason. If you’ve never had baked spaghetti with both a creamy white sauce and a rich beefy tomato sauce layered on top… well, buckle up. This dish is pure magic in a casserole dish.
We’re taking al dente spaghetti, tossing it in a velvety garlic cheese sauce, topping it with a savory beef marinara, and finishing it off with a bubbling blanket of mozzarella and parmesan. Bake it to golden perfection, and boom—you’re the hero of National Spaghetti Day. Or any day, really. 😍
🔑 Why This Baked Spaghetti is the Internet’s Favorite
- 🍅 Double sauce magic: Creamy white béchamel + meaty red sauce = flavor explosion
- 🧄 Garlicky goodness: From the beef to the butter sauce, garlic is the star
- 🧀 Super cheesy: Mozzarella and Parmesan in the sauce and on top
- 🏡 Crowd pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping
- 😋 Comfort food goals: It’s cozy, satisfying, and totally addictive
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
For the Beefy Red Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) of your favorite marinara or tomato basil sauce
For the Creamy White Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Assembly:
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
- Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley or basil for garnish
🍳 How to Make Viral Baked Spaghetti
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling your spaghetti in a large pot of heavily salted water. Cook until just al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside—but don’t forget to save a bit of pasta water!
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until softened. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Pour in your jar of tomato sauce. Stir, lower the heat, and let it simmer gently while you prep the white sauce. This lets all the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer and thicken slightly (3–4 minutes).
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Toss Pasta in the White Sauce
Add your cooked spaghetti to the creamy sauce and toss to coat every strand. Add pasta water if needed to loosen it slightly—it should be luscious and creamy.
🧁 Assembly Time!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture into the dish, smoothing it out.
- Spoon the beefy red sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden.
Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes to get that golden cheese crust.
🧠 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Spaghetti
- Don’t overcook the pasta before baking—it’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne in the red sauce.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them! Basil or parsley on top = flavor boost.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish freezes and reheats like a dream.
- Want to add veggies? Stir in chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the red sauce!
🤔 FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed (add 5–10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge).
Can I substitute the beef?
Definitely—ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils make great alternatives. You can also skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
💬 Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Viral Baked Spaghetti is blowing up the internet—it’s outrageously good. That layered combo of creamy white sauce, hearty beef marinara, and gooey cheese is everything we love about comfort food, all baked into one glorious dish.
Perfect for celebrations like National Spaghetti Day, a cozy Sunday dinner, or anytime you’re craving something ultra satisfying. Seriously, once you make this… your regular spaghetti nights may never be the same again. 😄