The Ultimate Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Southern charm meets comfort food in this delectable spaghetti casserole that promises pure kitchen magic.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance across a canvas of pasta and melted cheese.

Layers of savory ingredients tell a story of southern hospitality and culinary tradition.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen and weekend gatherings.

Cheese bubbles create golden-brown landscapes that beckon hungry souls to the table.

Warm aromas will tempt everyone from picky eaters to seasoned food enthusiasts.

You won’t be able to resist this mouthwatering southern classic that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

What Makes Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Great

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Southern Baked Spaghetti delivers hearty, cheesy goodness that brings family and friends together around the dinner table with its rich, satisfying flavors.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Layer ingredients easily without complex cooking techniques, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Solution: This casserole works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, providing a complete meal in one baking dish that satisfies hungry appetites with minimal cleanup.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, giving busy families a convenient dinner option that doesn't sacrifice taste or quality.

Ingredients Behind Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that forms the hearty base of this Southern-style casserole.
• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that adds depth to the meat sauce.
• Cottage Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth texture in the cheese layer.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a stretchy and mild cheese component for melting.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Form a classic and robust tomato sauce base for the casserole.
• Onion, Garlic: Add aromatic and savory notes to the meat sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the meat sauce.
• Eggs: Help bind the cheese mixture together.
• Butter: Adds a rich and smooth finish to the top of the casserole.

How to Bake Southern Spaghetti Casserole Well

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Warm up your oven to 350F. Generously grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain completely and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and no pink remains.

Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 5: Create the Meat Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

Let the mixture simmer and develop rich flavors for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• Cottage cheese
• Eggs
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese
• Half of the shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix until well blended.

Step 7: Build the First Layer

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Cover with half of the cheese mixture.

Top with a generous layer of meat sauce.

Step 8: Create the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 9: Add Final Touch

Dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of butter for extra richness.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown with bubbly edges.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Cut into hearty portions and enjoy!

Methods to Elevate Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and a more authentic, creamy consistency compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or Italian blend to add unique flavor profiles to the classic recipe.
• Allow the casserole to rest after baking, which helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.

Flavor Accents That Boost Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Gluten-Free Spaghetti Swap: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans to create a meat-free version of the casserole.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Replacement: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, and replace cottage cheese with silken tofu or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Side Ideas That Pair with Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for Sunday dinners, this hearty casserole brings everyone together around the table with warm, comforting flavors.
• Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where it'll disappear quickly and earn you serious cooking compliments from friends and neighbors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making weeknight meals stress-free and delicious.
• Leftover Lover's Dream: Store extra portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or reheat for a satisfying next-day meal that tastes even better.

Tips to Store Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Divide into individual portions for easier reheating and storage.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Why use cottage cheese in this recipe?

Cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein to the casserole, creating a richer texture and helping bind the layers together without making the dish too heavy.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage work great as alternatives, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile of the dish.

• How do I prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy?

Cook the spaghetti just until al dente and drain well before assembling the casserole. This ensures the pasta maintains a good texture during baking and doesn’t become soggy.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Irresistible Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern baked spaghetti casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables across the American South. Creamy cheese, savory meats, and perfectly baked pasta create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti (cooked)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Tomato and Seasoning Base:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with a light grease coating.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until the meat browns completely and releases its juices.
5. Drain any excess fat from the meat, then incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 10 minutes.
6. Create a creamy cheese blend by mixing cottage cheese, eggs, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a separate mixing bowl.
7. Construct the first layer of the casserole by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom of the prepared dish. Cover with half of the cheese mixture, then add a generous layer of meat sauce.
8. Replicate the layering process with remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Distribute small butter pieces across the casserole surface to enhance richness and flavor.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to set before serving.

Notes

• Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother, richer texture that melts beautifully into the pasta layers.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to create a lighter, healthier version of this hearty casserole.
• Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano directly into the meat sauce for a more authentic Italian taste.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before baking – perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg