Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti

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This Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. It features a rich, savory ground beef sauce infused with garlic butter, tossed with spaghetti, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Your family is going to absolutely love this one!

A Deliciously Easy Spaghetti Bake
When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than this. I’ve been making this Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti for years, and it’s easily one of the most requested meals in my home. We’re talking about a hearty, beefy tomato sauce with a hint of garlic butter, mixed into tender spaghetti, and baked under a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal everyone digs into without a single complaint—even the picky eaters!

What I love is that this recipe comes together quickly on a weeknight, yet feels special enough for guests. Serve it with some Garlic Bread and a simple green salad, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal on the table with hardly any effort. And leftovers? Incredible. This is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti works great, but you can use almost any pasta you like. Linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are all excellent choices. Just use the same amount listed in the recipe and cook it according to the package directions.

Can I use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes, of course! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works really well. Italian sausage is also fantastic—it adds an extra layer of savory flavor. You can even do half beef and half sausage for an extra flavor boost!

What’s the best way to get a really garlicky flavor?
For the strongest garlic flavor, use freshly minced garlic. Jarred minced garlic works too—whatever’s easiest for you. To really amp up the garlic butter taste, add an extra tablespoon of butter at the very end before tossing everything together.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Like most baked pasta dishes, you can assemble it the night before, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day—just add a few extra minutes since you’re starting cold. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.

Can this be frozen?
Yes! This freezes very well. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. It’s a lifesaver to have one of these stashed away for nights you don’t feel like cooking!

How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until warmed through.

Ingredients You’ll Need: (Full recipe in the recipe card below)

Ground beef – I prefer 85/15 because that bit of fat brings so much flavor. You can also use ground turkey, pork, or Italian sausage.

Spaghetti – Regular spaghetti is my go-to, but any long or short pasta works. Cook it just shy of al dente since it will bake further.

Butter – The star of the show! Salted butter adds amazing rich, savory flavor. Don’t skip it.

Garlic – Freshly minced is best, but jarred works perfectly too.

Spaghetti sauce – Use a sauce your family loves. Rao’s is great when on sale, or use your own homemade marinara.

Onion – Adds great depth. If you’re not a fan, leave it out or substitute with a teaspoon of onion powder.

Italian seasoning – A simple, flavorful blend that works beautifully.

Red pepper flakes – Totally optional, adds a tiny bit of warmth. Leave out if you avoid spice.

Shredded mozzarella – Shred your own for the best melt, or use a good pre-shredded blend.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives the best flavor and a salty, nutty finish.

Chicken or beef broth – A splash helps loosen the sauce and adds nice depth. Use low-sodium if needed.

Salt and pepper – Taste as you go. I usually use a good teaspoon or more of each.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti about 1-2 minutes less than the package directs. Drain well and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked and the onion is soft. Leave the beef in slightly larger crumbles for a heartier texture. Drain any excess grease and return the pan to medium heat.

Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the drained beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the butter melts. Don’t let the garlic burn. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the rich, garlicky beef sauce. Transfer the pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella, then Parmesan.

Cover tightly with foil (spray the inside of the foil with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking). Bake covered for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this makes a real difference!

Pro Tips

Undercook your pasta slightly – Since it continues cooking in the oven, pulling it 1-2 minutes early prevents mushiness.

Drain the pasta really well – Excess water will make your sauce watery. Give the colander a good shake and let it sit for a minute.

Don’t skip the resting time – Letting the bake rest for 5 minutes makes it easier to serve and lets the cheese set up slightly.

Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded gives you that gloriously gooey cheese pull.

Taste and season as you go – Get into the habit of tasting your sauce before adding it to the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning until it’s just right for your family.

What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Spaghetti

This dish is almost a complete meal on its own, but I love rounding it out with a few simple sides. Crusty Garlic Bread is an absolute must—you’ll want something to soak up any extra sauce. A simple Caesar salad or classic green salad with Italian dressing pairs perfectly. To sneak in extra vegetables, steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini are wonderful options. It’s a wholesome, satisfying spread the whole family will love.