Homestyle Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort embraces every bite of this southern baked spaghetti casserole with its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Layers of pasta and rich sauce promise a memorable meal for hungry souls.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through each forkful of this hearty dish.

Melted cheese creates a golden crust that beckons you to dive right in.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this southern classic that brings warmth to the table.

You cannot resist the temptation of this mouthwatering casserole that guarantees smiles all around.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce to increase vegetable content and boost nutritional value.

• Can I freeze this Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Gives A Cozy Twist

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, delicious meal that comes together with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic spaghetti with a cheesy casserole twist that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• Simple One-Dish Wonder: Minimal prep and cleanup required, with all ingredients baked together in a single casserole dish for maximum convenience.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with different meat options or by adding extra vegetables, allowing you to personalize the recipe to your family's taste preferences.

Southern Spaghetti Casserole Essentials

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that forms the foundation of the casserole, provides hearty texture and structure.
• Ground Beef, Sausage: Rich protein that adds deep flavor and meaty substance to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a robust and aromatic base for the casserole.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Creates a robust, tangy sauce that binds ingredients and adds moisture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides creamy, melty layers with sharp and mild cheese notes for complex flavor.

• Eggs: Helps bind the casserole together and creates a custard-like texture.

• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps prevent sticking during preparation.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Cooking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab your baking dish for this cheesy adventure.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your spaghetti until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside for the flavor party.

Step 3: Sizzle the Meat

• Ground beef or sausage
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Drain any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Magic

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop its rich personality for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Mix Pasta with Creamy Goodness

Whisk eggs in a big bowl and toss with the cooked spaghetti.

Sprinkle in some cheese for extra yumminess.

Step 6: Layer Like a Pro

Spread half the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish.

Pour meat sauce over top, then add remaining pasta.

Step 7: Cheese Explosion

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Parmesan

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop into the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole chill for 5 minutes before diving in.

Enjoy your Southern comfort masterpiece!

Southern Baked Spaghetti Done The Right Way Every Time

• Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce for a richer, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor intensity.
• Ensure spaghetti is slightly undercooked before mixing with eggs, as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.
• Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish's comforting essence.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Storage Plan

• Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Side Matches

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the hearty meat sauce and rich cheese flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a zesty green side that cuts through the casserole's richness with tangy dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and provide a complementary carbohydrate texture to the spaghetti casserole.
• Refresh with Sparkling Water: Add a light, bubbly beverage to cleanse the palate between bites of the cheesy, savory main dish.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Spins

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Incorporate ground turkey, add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty regional variation.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this mouthwatering Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole that blends creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. Layers of rich flavors invite you to savor a classic dish that warms hearts and brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or sausage
• 16 ounces (1 pound) spaghetti
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. Transform spaghetti into perfectly cooked strands, draining and allowing them to rest momentarily.
3. Sizzle ground meat in a skillet, infusing it with aromatic onions and garlic until achieving a rich, golden-brown complexion.
4. Eliminate excess fat from the meat, creating a lean foundation for the dish.
5. Introduce tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, complementing with Italian herbs and seasoning. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing deep, complex flavors.
6. Whisk eggs in a spacious mixing vessel, carefully integrating them with the prepared spaghetti and a portion of cheese, creating a cohesive base.
7. Arrange the first layer of spaghetti mixture into a generously greased baking dish, establishing a solid foundation.
8. Lavishly spread the robust meat sauce across the initial spaghetti layer, ensuring even distribution.
9. Crown the creation with the remaining spaghetti mixture, creating a harmonious structure.
10. Generously blanket the casserole with a trio of cheeses – mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan – promising a melted, golden topping.
11. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake uncovered until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, enticing surface.
12. After removing from the oven, permit the casserole a brief moment of relaxation before serving, ensuring optimal flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the meat sauce for extra complexity.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute kitchen stress.
• Freeze individual portions for quick, convenient meals that reheat beautifully for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg