Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone to the dinner table, Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the answer! This rich and hearty dish combines the best of both worlds: the savory flavors of traditional spaghetti with the warmth of a casserole. It’s packed with ground beef, layers of gooey cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Stick around and learn how to make this Southern staple step by step!

this Recipe

What is Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comfort food dish that blends the classic spaghetti and meat sauce combo with a rich casserole twist. It's layered with pasta, savory meat sauce, and cheese, baked in the oven until bubbly and golden. This dish is a Southern staple and is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday events. The secret to its indulgent taste lies in the layers of flavor, creamy texture, and of course, the love that goes into making it.

Ingredients List for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty dish:

• 1 lb spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or sausage)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz jar of marinara sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional but adds creaminess)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient List for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole (continued)

• 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese for added creaminess
• 1 cup of milk or half-and-half (if you want the casserole extra rich)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs for a crispy topping (optional)
• Butter to grease the baking dish
• ¼ cup chopped bell peppers (optional for extra flavor)
• Crushed tomatoes (substitute for marinara if you prefer a chunkier sauce)
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce (for that added Southern flavor)

With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor!

Substitutions and Variations

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is highly adaptable to your taste preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

• Ground Meat: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even a meatless alternative like crumbled tofu or plant-based meat. Italian sausage adds a ton of flavor to the dish.
• Cheese Options: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even provolone for a twist.
• Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to bulk up the sauce.
• Extra Creaminess: For a creamier texture, you can mix in cream cheese or use a combination of ricotta and cottage cheese.

You can really make this dish your own by customizing it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break it down step by step for perfect results:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Add the Marinara Sauce: Pour in the jar of marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes if using), and let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream (or cream cheese), and 1 cup of mozzarella. Add in the eggs and mix well. This creamy mixture will make your casserole extra rich.
6. Layer the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, add a layer of the cooked spaghetti. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Then, add a layer of the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce.
7. Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden brown top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

How to Cook Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap for those looking for a concise guide:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
3. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic; simmer with marinara sauce.
4. Combine ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and eggs in a separate bowl.
5. Layer spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a greased baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember to cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Properly seasoning each layer (meat, sauce, cheese) is key to a flavorful casserole.
• Dry Casserole: Be careful not to bake the casserole too long, or it may dry out. Adding a bit of milk or cream to the sauce can help maintain moisture.
• Uneven Layers: Spread each layer evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of sauce, pasta, and cheese.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is hearty and flavorful, so it pairs best with light and fresh side dishes.

• Salads: A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: What’s pasta without garlic bread? Serve slices of buttery garlic bread or breadsticks on the side.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent veggie sides.

How to Serve Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Use a large spatula to scoop out portions, ensuring that each slice includes a bit of every layer.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Here are some ideas for presenting your casserole beautifully:

• Individual Portions: For a more elegant touch, you can bake the casserole in individual ramekins.
• Garnish with Herbs: Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Rustic Look: Serve the casserole family-style directly from the baking dish, surrounded by small bowls of grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes for customization.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. It’s great for meal prepping!
• Freezing: Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd. Double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish if you’re expecting guests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just remember to increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?
A: Yes! It freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with foil before freezing, and allow it to thaw in the fridge before baking.

Q: What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
A: You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a slightly different but equally delicious texture.

Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: You can use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and reduce the cheese. Adding more vegetables to the sauce is another great way to make it healthier.

Conclusion

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Plus, it's versatile enough to adapt to your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort in every bite!

Print