TikTok Viral Baked Spaghetti Dinner Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this TikTok Baked Spaghetti is exactly what you need! Made with layers of creamy Parmesan sauce, hearty meat marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella, this viral pasta bake is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to prepare, makes a big batch, and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this baked spaghetti delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love TikTok Baked Spaghetti

• It’s the ultimate comfort food – With creamy Parmesan sauce, rich marinara, and melty cheese, every bite is warm, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for cozy nights or when you just want something hearty and delicious.

• Feeds a crowd with ease – This baked spaghetti makes 8 generous servings, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Leftovers are just as tasty, which means you get multiple meals out of one recipe. It’s an affordable, filling option for busy households.

• TikTok made it viral for a reason – This dish went viral for its gooey, creamy layers and easy prep. Home cooks everywhere love how simple it is to throw together while still tasting like something from a restaurant. Now you can recreate the trend with success at home.

• Customizable to your taste – You can use different meats, swap in gluten-free pasta, or make it spicy with red pepper flakes. It’s easy to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen. The base recipe is flexible while still being foolproof.

• Great for make-ahead and leftovers – This spaghetti bake reheats beautifully and holds up well in the fridge. It’s perfect for cooking once and eating all week. Just warm up a slice for a quick and comforting lunch or dinner.

Ingredients For TikTok Baked Spaghetti

• Unsalted Butter – Used to sauté the vegetables and start the creamy Parmesan sauce.

• Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat sauce.

• Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

• Italian Seasoning – Brings classic herb flavor to the meat sauce.

• Garlic – Used in both the sauce and the cream base for bold, aromatic flavor.

• Ground Beef or Meatloaf Mix – Adds hearty, savory richness to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce – A ready-made tomato base that makes the sauce quick and easy.

• Fresh Basil – Adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor to brighten the dish.

• Spaghetti – The classic pasta base that holds everything together.

• Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, velvety white sauce that coats the noodles.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the cream for a cheesy, savory layer.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Bakes on top for that irresistible gooey cheese pull.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but great for adding a little heat.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make TikTok Baked Spaghetti

• Large Nonstick Skillet – Perfect for browning the meat and building the marinara sauce.

• Medium Saucepan – Used to make the creamy Parmesan sauce from scratch.

• Large Pot – Needed to boil the spaghetti until perfectly al dente.

• Colander – Drains the cooked pasta quickly and easily.

• 9×13 Baking Dish – Holds all the layers of spaghetti, sauce, and cheese for baking.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate amounts of every ingredient.

• Whisk – Helps blend the cream and Parmesan into a smooth sauce.

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• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Great for stirring and mixing without damaging cookware.

How To Make TikTok Baked Spaghetti

• Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

• Sauté chopped onion in melted butter in a skillet, then add Italian seasoning and garlic to build flavor.

• Brown the ground beef in the skillet, season with salt, and stir in marinara and chopped basil. Let it simmer.

• While the sauce is cooking, boil the spaghetti in salted water until just tender, then drain.

• In a saucepan, cook garlic in melted butter, then pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer until thick.

• Stir Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until melted and smooth.

• Combine the cooked spaghetti and cream sauce in the baking dish, mixing gently.

• Top with the meat sauce, sprinkle mozzarella over everything, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread gondolas or homemade dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamy, cheesy sauce.

• A simple shredded brussels sprouts salad with balsamic dressing adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta.

• A glass of classic red wine sangria makes a cozy and flavorful pairing.

• Refreshing Fresh Lemonade is a non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate.

• You can serve this dish straight from the baking dish, which makes for easy serving and shows off the bubbly cheese topping.

Tips For Success

• To make the best TikTok Baked Spaghetti, start by cooking your pasta just until al dente. Since the spaghetti will continue to cook in the oven, slightly undercooking it on the stovetop helps prevent it from becoming mushy. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously, it’s the only chance to flavor the spaghetti itself. After draining, don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the creamy sauce cling better.
• When making the creamy Parmesan sauce, cook the heavy cream low and slow until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Whisk in the Parmesan off the heat to avoid clumping or curdling. If the sauce feels too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of warm cream. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, keep simmering gently and whisking until it thickens.
• For the meat sauce, take the time to fully brown the ground meat. Let it sit in the pan without stirring too much so it gets that deep, rich flavor. Once the marinara and basil are added, don’t skip the short simmer time. This helps the flavors come together and taste more like a homemade sauce.
• When assembling the dish, mix the spaghetti with the cream sauce first to evenly coat the noodles. Then layer on the meat sauce and top with mozzarella. Make sure to bake uncovered so the cheese melts and lightly browns on top. If your oven runs hot, you can loosely tent it with foil toward the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
• Letting the baked spaghetti rest for 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is key. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve. If you cut into it right away, the sauce may slide out and not hold its shape. Patience pays off here, plus it’ll be the perfect temperature to eat!

Variations And Substitutions

• TikTok Baked Spaghetti is easy to customize based on your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. One simple variation is to swap the ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Each option brings a different flavor to the dish while still keeping that satisfying, hearty texture. If you’re using leaner meats like turkey, consider adding a little extra olive oil while cooking to keep the sauce rich and flavorful.
• You can also adjust the cheese to suit your preferences. Mozzarella is classic for that gooey top layer, but you could mix in provolone, fontina, or cheddar for extra flavor. If you’re looking to cut back on dairy, try using a dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese and a plant-based cream for the sauce. There are several non-dairy options available that melt well and still deliver that cheesy goodness.
• Want to make it spicy? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the cream sauce or use a spicy marinara. You can also sprinkle hot sauce over the top before serving for an extra kick. On the flip side, if you’re serving kids or prefer a milder taste, simply skip the red pepper flakes altogether.
• For a gluten-free version, just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. Make sure to check that your marinara and cheese are also gluten-free, especially if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
• Looking to sneak in some veggies? Try adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce while it simmers. These vegetables cook down nicely and blend into the sauce without changing the texture too much. It’s a great way to add nutrition without making the dish feel too different.
• Lastly, if you want to make this ahead of time, you can fully assemble the dish and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge. You can also freeze it before baking for a future meal, just thaw overnight and bake until bubbly and golden.

Storage and Reheating

• If you have leftovers of this delicious TikTok Baked Spaghetti, you’re in luck, it stores and reheats beautifully! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat individual portions, microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of water or a little extra marinara before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out. For larger portions, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover the dish loosely with foil to help retain moisture, and remove the foil during the last few minutes to melt the cheese on top.
• If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave. This makes a great freezer meal for busy nights!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make TikTok Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for preparing in advance. You can fully assemble it up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed, add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge. It’s a great time-saver for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti?

Absolutely! TikTok Baked Spaghetti freezes very well. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. If freezing leftovers, portion them into containers for easy reheating later.

What kind of pasta should I use?

Traditional spaghetti works best for this recipe, but you can also use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. If you prefer short pasta, penne or rigatoni will also work. Just make sure to cook it until al dente so it holds up during baking.

How do I keep the spaghetti from getting mushy?

Cook the spaghetti until it’s just barely al dente before mixing it with the sauce. Since it bakes in the oven, it will continue to cook slightly, so undercooking it by a minute or two helps maintain the perfect texture. Also, don’t rinse the pasta after draining, keeping the surface starch helps the sauce stick better.

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of making the cream sauce?

You can, but the homemade cream and Parmesan sauce adds a fresher and richer flavor. If you’re short on time, jarred Alfredo sauce is a good shortcut, just be sure to check the salt level as store-bought sauces can be more salty. You may also want to warm it slightly before mixing it with the pasta to help it combine smoothly.

How spicy is this recipe?

The base recipe is mild and kid-friendly. Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference. You can also spice it up with hot sauce or a spicy marinara if you like more kick. For no heat at all, simply leave out the red pepper flakes.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For quick reheating, microwave individual servings with a splash of water or marinara to keep it moist. For best texture and melted cheese, reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil near the end to let the cheese brown slightly. It tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!

Other Easy Spaghetti Recipes

Baked Spaghetti Casserole – This cheesy baked spaghetti casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavor.

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Spaghetti Squash with Hearty Meat Sauce – This low-carb spaghetti squash topped with rich, savory meat sauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta.

Whole Spaghetti Squash – Learn how to cook a whole spaghetti squash easily with this foolproof method, no cutting required before cooking!

Roasted Spaghetti Squash – Oven-roasted spaghetti squash comes out perfectly tender with caramelized edges and strands ready for any topping.

Cooked Spaghetti Squash – This basic guide shows you how to cook spaghetti squash quickly and easily for any meal or recipe.

Spaghetti Squash – Whole or Halved – Whether you cook it whole or cut in half, this easy spaghetti squash recipe delivers perfect strands every time.

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