Few dishes embody comfort food quite like spaghetti bolognese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and has a way of bringing people together around the dinner table. The savory aroma of slow-simmered tomato sauce mingled with garlic, onions, and herbs is enough to make anyone feel at home. But when you add a layer of gooey, golden-brown mozzarella cheese, you elevate this classic Italian favorite into something truly irresistible.

This Cheesy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe combines the rich, slow-cooked flavors of traditional bolognese with the satisfying melt of mozzarella cheese on top. It’s ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, impressing guests, or even meal prepping for the week. This dish is the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy, and comforting — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The Story Behind the Dish

Spaghetti bolognese is one of those meals that immediately evokes warmth and nostalgia. Growing up, many of us remember Sunday dinners where the family would gather around a steaming pot of tomato-based meat sauce, savoring each bite alongside a loaf of crusty bread.

For me, the inspiration for the cheesy twist came from a casual weeknight dinner. I had leftover mozzarella in the fridge, some ground beef, and my trusty tomato sauce. I thought, “Why not make spaghetti bolognese even more indulgent?” The result was magical: a bubbling, cheesy topping that perfectly complemented the savory meat sauce beneath. Now, this cheesy bolognese is a staple in my kitchen whenever I want a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason this dish has become a modern comfort food favorite:

A comforting twist on a classic: Traditional bolognese gets a cheesy upgrade that everyone will love.
Easy to follow: Simple steps make it approachable for home cooks of all levels.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of meat, sauce, and cheese.
Perfect for leftovers: The flavors develop beautifully overnight, making it ideal for meal prep.
Customizable: Add vegetables, change the protein, or adjust the herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor:

Spaghetti: A classic pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully and has a satisfying bite.
Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein that gives the sauce its richness.
Onion & garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth and complexity.
Crushed tomatoes & tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy, and savory soul of the bolognese.
Herbs & spices: Oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes give warmth and aromatic complexity.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top, creating a golden, cheesy finish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the dish.

Optional add-ons: parmesan cheese, a splash of cream, or extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the bolognese sauce.

Tip: If you like your pasta extra flavorful, you can cook it in a small amount of the bolognese sauce before serving.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.

Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step is key for a rich, aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with flavor.

Optional: Add diced carrots or celery at this stage to sneak in some extra veggies.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir in dried oregano and basil. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 30–60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tip: The longer the sauce simmers, the deeper the flavor. For an extra-rich taste, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Place the cooked spaghetti on serving plates or in a large baking dish if you prefer baked spaghetti. Spoon the bolognese sauce over the pasta, covering each strand generously. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra cheesy depth.

Step 6: Broil for a Cheesy Finish

Place the dish under a preheated broiler for 3–5 minutes until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Tip: For a gooey, stretchy cheese layer, let the mozzarella sit on the sauce for 1–2 minutes before broiling.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright contrast to the rich, cheesy sauce. Serve immediately with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a glass of your favorite red wine.

Chef Tips & Variations

Make it creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk to the sauce for a velvety, luxurious texture.
Go veggie: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Double the cheese: Mix shredded Parmesan or fontina into the sauce for extra cheesy indulgence.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a subtle kick.
Meal prep: The sauce tastes even better the next day — perfect for batch cooking. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze in portions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your cheesy spaghetti bolognese with:

Garlic bread or breadsticks: Perfect for scooping up sauce.
Fresh green salad: Arugula, spinach, or romaine tossed with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers make a colorful, nutritious side.
A glass of red wine: Chianti or Merlot complement the tomato and beef flavors beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezer: Freeze cooked sauce without pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked spaghetti.
For baked versions: Assemble the dish but do not broil. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then broil just before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this dish is layering:

Beef: Provides richness and protein.
Tomato sauce: Brings tang, acidity, and comfort.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy, melty, golden layer.
Aromatics and herbs: Create depth and complexity, elevating a simple pasta dish to something special.

Cooking the sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld and intensify, while broiling the cheese on top creates that classic gooey, golden finish. It’s a balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet tomato goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Nutrition Overview (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 550
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 5g

This dish is filling, hearty, and perfect for satisfying a hungry crowd while still being easy to customize for dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy spaghetti bolognese takes a beloved classic and adds just enough indulgence to make it extraordinary. With simple ingredients, a few extra minutes, and a sprinkle of mozzarella, you transform a regular weeknight meal into a comfort food masterpiece.

Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner, a casual date night, or a meal prep option for the week, it’s guaranteed to impress. The flavors deepen as leftovers sit, making it even better the next day.

This is a dish that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated — just thoughtful ingredients, slow-simmered flavors, and a cheesy finish that brings it all together. So grab your skillet, simmer your sauce, and let the Cheesy Spaghetti Bolognese fill your kitchen with the aromas of home.

Cheesy Spaghetti Bolognese

Recipe by Kel

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

600 (estimated))

kcal

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
To serve, place spaghetti on a plate, top with the bolognese sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Place under a broiler for a minute or two to melt and brown the cheese.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce along with the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
This dish can be made ahead of time. Store the sauce and pasta separately in the refrigerator, then reheat when ready to serve.