Every family has that one recipe that defines comfort food — the one that’s shared, tweaked, and perfected through the generations. For my family, it’s this easy spaghetti recipe with meat sauce.
It’s the dish that fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The one that brings everyone to the table, forks in hand, before it even leaves the stove.
My version comes from my mother, who learned it from her sister-in-law — who surely inherited it from someone else. Each generation makes tiny changes, improving it little by little. And now, after years of Sunday dinners and second helpings, I can confidently say: this is the best spaghetti sauce I’ve ever tasted.
The secret? Don’t skip a single ingredient. Each one adds depth, balance, and that irresistible flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6–8)
Pasta
- 454 g rotini (or substitute spaghetti, penne, or elbow pasta)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Sauce Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (from a jar or fresh)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion (white or yellow), diced
- 227 g mushrooms, sliced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 794 g red pasta sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade sauce)
Meats & Cheese Layers
- 450 g ground beef (sirloin recommended)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1½–2 cups grated cheese (mozzarella, Italian blend, or cheddar), divided
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic, green pepper, onion, and mushrooms.
Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add ground beef to the pan and season with salt and black pepper.
Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour in the red pasta sauce and stir to combine with the beef and vegetables.
Simmer on low for 10 minutes to let the flavors deepen.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
Using a hand mixer, blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×12-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread half the pasta evenly on the bottom.
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
- Add the remaining pasta, followed by the meat sauce on top.
- Cover with foil (sprayed with oil so it doesn’t stick).
Step 7: Bake & Finish
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil.
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving — this allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to slice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked spaghetti with:
- A green salad with Italian dressing
- Garlic bread or buttered rolls
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
⭐ Use quality sauce: Whether jarred or homemade, a rich tomato base is key.
🧄 Don’t skip the garlic: It deepens the sauce flavor beautifully.
🧀 Blend the cheeses well: The creamy layer keeps the pasta moist and flavorful.
🔥 Rest before serving: The dish holds its shape and tastes even better after a short rest.
🧀 Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just another pasta bake — it’s the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy layers and rich, savory meat sauce. The cream cheese mixture adds a luxurious texture that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce, while the sautéed vegetables add depth and sweetness.
Each layer melds together as it bakes, creating a comforting dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and completely irresistible.
🥄 Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
🍷 Final Thoughts
This Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce isn’t just a recipe — it’s a family tradition on a plate. Each bite tells a story, passed down and perfected over time.
Whether it’s Sunday dinner, a cozy date night, or a midweek craving for something comforting, this dish delivers all the warmth and flavor of homemade Italian cooking — with minimal effort.
So go ahead — gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and bring a little bit of family tradition to your table tonight.
