Baked Spaghetti (Easy Freezer Meal to Bring to Others)

Baked Spaghetti is one of my all-time favorite go-to meals, and it’s also one of my most popular recipes ever! Originally shared back in 2017, it definitely deserved a re-post, because this dish is a total winner. It’s super easy to make in large batches (hello, meal prep), plus it’s ridiculously delicious.

I love making this in huge batches for gifts or dropping it off to someone who could use a hug in the form of a freezer meal. I’ve even made it for Teacher Appreciation Week which was such a hit—because what’s a better gift than a night off from cooking? This recipe is perfect for stocking up your freezer or bringing to someone in need, since it can easily be frozen for later if your recipient is already stocked up on food.

Whether you’re prepping ahead or sharing the love with others, it’s guaranteed to make life a little easier (and tastier!).

A Few Baked Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Butter Hack: If you forgot to pull your butter out of the fridge ahead of time, no worries! Simply set it on the stove top near the pasta noodles to slowly warm it up, and it’ll soften in no time.
• Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite pasta sauce—whether homemade or store-bought. The sauce is key to making this dish delicious, so go with what you love!
• Thin Layers: When layering the ricotta and sauce, make sure they’re thin. This helps avoid too much liquid in the pasta and keeps the texture just right.
• Stand Mixer Magic: Use your stand mixer to mix all the ingredients together! It’s way easier than stirring by hand, and the mixer attachment will break up the pasta into smaller pieces, making it easier to serve. Just be careful not to overmix, otherwise your noodles will be too small.
• Giftable Tip: When giving this dish to others, consider using disposable cake pans (8″ square or round) so the recipient doesn’t have to worry about returning a dish. One pan feeds 2-3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small kids—perfect for a quick, comforting meal!
• Freezing Tip: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months! Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly and ready to be baked or reheated whenever needed. Perfect for stocking the freezer or making ahead!

Why We Love This Meal

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Freezer Friendly: It’s the ultimate meal prep dish. Make extra, freeze it, and you’ve got an easy dinner ready to go when you need it.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a get-together, baked spaghetti is loved by just about everyone. It’s cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor!
• Customizable: You can easily swap out the pasta sauce for homemade or store-bought, and mix in your favorite add-ins like veggies, meat, or extra cheese.
• Perfect for Gifting: Whether you’re sharing with a neighbor, friend, or family member, baked spaghetti makes an amazing, thoughtful dish to bring to others—especially if you use disposable pans!
• Leftover-Friendly: Baked spaghetti tastes just as good the next day (if there are any leftovers!). It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, comforting layers, it’s a hit with the little ones. Plus, it’s easy to serve and doesn’t make a mess!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and you’ve got dinner covered for several nights. It’s one of those meals that gets better the next day, too.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something about a warm, cheesy casserole that just feels like a hug. It’s the ultimate comfort food to enjoy with family or friends.
• Affordable: You don’t have to break the bank to make this dish. It’s budget-friendly and feeds a crowd without costing a fortune.

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*Recipe originally published March 2017. Updated in February 2025 to add new photographs and a few gentle tweaks. Recipe remains the same.