Irresistible Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Cheesy Homestyle Baked Spaghetti

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the indulgent appeal of a cheesy casserole, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this baked spaghetti recipe.

The layers of tender angel hair pasta, smothered in a homemade tomato sauce with the perfect hint of smokiness, and blanketed in not one but two types of melty cheese create pure magic in every bite.

I’m particularly fond of how the vegetables are pureed into the sauce, ensuring maximum flavor without any texture complaints from picky eaters.

The golden, bubbly cheese top is simply irresistible!

What Ingredients are in Cheesy Homestyle Baked Spaghetti?

This baked spaghetti recipe brings together the perfect combination of simple, flavorful ingredients that transform into something truly magical when baked together.

The beauty of this dish lies in its layers—tender pasta, rich tomato sauce with hidden veggies, and that irresistible blanket of cheese that gets all golden and bubbly in the oven. Can you already imagine that first forkful with all those stretchy cheese pulls?

• 16 ounces angel hair pasta
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 28 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-4 dashes hickory liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
• 1-2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• Italian seasoning, to taste
• 16 ounces Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

When shopping for these ingredients, quality really does make a difference, especially with the cheeses.

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates that perfect gooey texture we’re looking for.

The liquid smoke might seem like an unusual addition, but trust me, it adds a subtle depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.

And don’t skip the butter in the sauce—it’s the key to balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and creating a velvety smooth sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

How to Make this Cheesy Homestyle Baked Spaghetti

Start by sautéing a medium sweet onion, one green bell pepper, and 2-3 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they’re nice and soft. This aromatic trio creates the flavor foundation for our sauce—don’t rush this step! If your veggies need a little help softening up, a splash of water works wonders.

Season with salt and pepper, then transfer everything to a food processor and blend until smooth. This puree trick gives your sauce body without chunky bits, perfect for picky eaters who might otherwise push vegetables around their plate.

Return your veggie puree to the pan and add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 28 ounces of tomato sauce. Now for the secret weapon: 2-4 dashes of hickory liquid smoke, which adds incredible depth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning to taste, then let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing those flavors to get cozy with each other.

The sauce might taste a bit acidic at this point, so add 1-2 tablespoons of butter, one teaspoon at a time, until the acidity mellows out. Meanwhile, cook 16 ounces of angel hair pasta according to package directions. The thin noodles create delicate layers that soak up all that sauce goodness. Who needs lasagna when you can have this?

Assembly is where the magic happens. Spread some sauce on the bottom of your baking dish, then add a layer of cooked pasta, and sprinkle generously with half your 16 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend. For best results, use a premium Mediterranean cookware set that distributes heat evenly for perfect cheese melting.

A dusting of Parmesan never hurt anyone, right? Repeat these layers, ending with a blanket of cheese on top. Pop it into a 375-degree oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese turns golden and bubbly—that perfect stretch when you pull out a serving.

The hardest part? Waiting those 5-10 minutes before diving in, but trust me, your tongue will thank you for avoiding third-degree burns from molten cheese.

Cheesy Homestyle Baked Spaghetti Substitutions and Variations

While the classic version of this baked spaghetti is absolutely divine, don’t feel locked into following my recipe to the letter.

I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own!

Swap the angel hair for rigatoni or penne if that’s what’s in your pantry. Not a fan of green peppers? Try roasted red peppers for a sweeter profile.

The cheese blend is endlessly customizable—mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack will create deliciously different flavor profiles.

For a protein boost, layer in some browned Italian sausage, ground turkey, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Those hickory smoke drops aren’t essential, but they do add that something special!

What to Serve with Cheesy Homestyle Baked Spaghetti

What could possibly make a bubbling dish of cheesy baked spaghetti even better? The perfect accompaniments, of course!

I’m obsessed with serving a crisp Caesar salad alongside this pasta masterpiece—the cool, crunchy lettuce creates the most delightful textural contrast.

Garlic bread is non-negotiable, perfect for sopping up that rich tomato sauce.

For a complete spread, consider adding roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, ties everything together beautifully.

When entertaining, I set everything family-style in the center of the table—there’s something magical about passing dishes around!

Final Thoughts

When you bring this cheesy baked spaghetti to the table, you’re serving more than just a meal—you’re creating memories.

The bubbling layers of tender angel hair pasta, homemade tomato sauce, and that irresistible blend of melted cheeses simply transform an ordinary dinner into something special.

I’m convinced there’s something magical about that moment when the cheese gets slightly browned and pulls into those perfect, Instagram-worthy strings.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegant comfort food and no-fuss preparation. The hint of liquid smoke adds that unexpected depth that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

Worth every minute of that tantalizing wait!