The Ultimate Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

My classic southern baked spaghetti casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Warm memories flood back with each cheesy, hearty bite.

Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese create a delightful meal everyone adores.

Hearty ingredients mingle together in a bubbling dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy textures and bold flavors make this recipe a true southern treasure.

Dinner conversations will spark and smiles will spread when you serve this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible comfort food.

Why Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Rocks

• Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal cooking skills required.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Tackle this recipe in under half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Watch kids and adults alike devour every cheesy, creamy bite of this universally loved meal that combines pasta and beef in one delicious skillet.
• Family Meal Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a hearty dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality experience right at your home table, creating memorable moments around shared plates.

Ingredients for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation of this hearty Southern-style casserole.

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein to the dish.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a convenient and concentrated garlic flavor throughout the casserole.
• Oregano: A classic herb that brings an authentic Italian seasoning profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle, warming heat to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that forms the base of the meat sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and additional tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, tangy element that enhances the overall richness of the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic, stretchy melting quality to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finishing touch to the completed casserole.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F. This will get everything ready for our cheesy adventure.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set it aside for the next delicious stage.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion together. Let them sizzle and dance until the meat is fully cooked.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Magic

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Mix the Pasta Base

• Cooked spaghetti
• Sour cream
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Step 6: First Layer in the Baking Dish

Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce evenly on top.

Step 7: Add the Final Pasta Layer

Cover the meat sauce with the remaining spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

Step 8: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you want, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top.

Dig in and savor every bite!

Helpful Hints for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to prevent mushy texture when baked in the casserole.
• Drain excess fat from meat thoroughly to avoid a greasy dish and maintain a clean, robust flavor profile.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking, helping it set and making serving easier without falling apart.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding cheddar or provolone for extra depth and richness in the dish.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole – Change It Up

• Spicy Southwestern Spaghetti: Replace marinara with salsa, add green chiles, use pepper jack cheese, sprinkle cilantro on top for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Spaghetti: Swap ground beef with roasted eggplant, use feta cheese, add kalamata olives, mix in spinach for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, use alfredo sauce instead of marinara, add roasted garlic and additional parmesan for a rich, creamy casserole.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole for Supper Time

• Gather everyone around the table for a hearty southern-style dinner. Serve this casserole with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad. Create a relaxed family atmosphere with comforting sides that complement the rich pasta dish.
• Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to your next community gathering. Pack it in a portable carrier to keep it warm. Add a colorful side of roasted vegetables to make the dish even more appealing. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to impress fellow food lovers.
• Transform this spaghetti casserole into a perfect sports watching companion. Pair with cold beer or refreshing iced tea. Cut into smaller squares for easy finger food. Ideal for feeding a hungry crowd during weekend game celebrations or casual sports parties.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole – Storing Ideas

• Store leftover Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Remove the casserole from the freezer and place in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing prevents texture changes and maintains food safety.
• Warm the refrigerated or thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Why use sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream adds creaminess and helps bind the pasta layers, creating a richer, more luxurious texture that makes the casserole extra indulgent and smooth.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe and provides a similar flavor profile with less fat.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust or omit them to make the casserole mild and kid-friendly. The spice level is very moderate and customizable.

• How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for golden brown, bubbly cheese on top and a heated-through center. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the cheese should be completely melted and slightly bubbling.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty southern baked spaghetti casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across the Southern United States. Cheesy layers of pasta, ground beef, and creamy sauce promise a satisfying meal that connects generations through classic home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain thoroughly.
3. Sauté ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains. Eliminate excess grease.
4. Enhance the meat mixture with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to develop rich flavors.
5. Create a creamy pasta base by folding sour cream and half of the cheese blend into the cooked spaghetti.
6. Construct the first layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish by spreading the spaghetti-cream mixture evenly across the bottom.
7. Distribute the seasoned meat sauce uniformly over the initial pasta layer.
8. Complete the casserole by adding the remaining spaghetti mixture as the top layer.
9. Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to set.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences or family tastes.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, which allows flavors to meld and creates a convenient make-ahead meal for busy nights.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-dish meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg