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