Cozy Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Soul Comfort

My grandmother’s southern baked spaghetti casserole recipe brings comfort straight from the heart of dixie’s kitchen.

Memories of sunday gatherings swirl around this cheesy, hearty dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a way that speaks to southern hospitality and love.

Creamy textures and bold seasonings make this casserole more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of home-cooked goodness.

Weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings become extraordinary moments when you serve this crowd-pleasing southern classic.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic unfold on your dinner table.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole With Bold Flavors

• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and classic pasta, this casserole delivers pure Southern comfort on a plate.
• Family Feast Master: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, this one-dish wonder satisfies everyone from kids to grandparents with its crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Minimal Prep Hero: Combine ingredients in simple steps, layer in a dish, and let the oven do the heavy lifting, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for meal prep, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this recipe works for multiple occasions and dietary preferences.

Ingredients For Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides a hearty and rich base for the southern-style casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy and tangy element to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle and consistent garlic flavor throughout the casserole.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that forms the foundation of this comforting southern baked dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, crispy, and delicious topping.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create a rich and flavorful base for the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that bring warmth and complexity to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the meat and vegetables, adding a subtle richness.

How To Prepare Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onions, and chopped bell peppers.

Cook until the beef is completely browned and the vegetables are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease a large casserole dish. Begin creating layers by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom of the dish.

Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Add a layer of sour cream.

Repeat the layers one more time, creating a delicious stacked casserole.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous mixture of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top layer, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to become melted, golden, and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Cut into hearty portions and serve hot.

Tips For Perfect Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole version.
• Drain excess grease from meat after browning to prevent a greasy dish and maintain clean flavors.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for added excitement and unique taste profiles.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta without compromising the recipe's delicious southern comfort style.
• Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier without falling apart.

Variations To Try With Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.

Serving Suggestions For Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Share this hearty casserole with loved ones around a big family dinner table, creating warm memories while enjoying every cheesy bite.
• Potluck Party Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings or neighborhood potlucks, watching everyone ask for seconds and requesting the recipe.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve as a filling main course during sports watch parties, cutting into easy-to-grab squares that keep hungry fans satisfied throughout the game.
• Southern Picnic Delight: Pack portions in portable containers for outdoor meals, providing a delicious one-dish wonder that travels well and tastes amazing at room temperature.

Storage Tips For Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer casserole to shallow, sealed containers to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate portions into individual containers for easier reheating and storage.
• Freeze the casserole for up to 2 months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is perfect for kids. The cheesy layers and mild seasoning make it appealing to children, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat vegetables mixed into the meat sauce.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and season well to maintain flavor.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce, and opt for reduced-fat cheese to lower calories without compromising taste.

Cheesy Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Southern baked spaghetti casserole combines hearty pasta with rich cheese and savory meat layers. Creamy textures and bold flavors make this dish a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti, cooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, sautéing ground beef with chopped onion and bell pepper until meat browns and vegetables soften, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the skillet, blending thoroughly. Allow mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 5 minutes.
4. Prepare a casserole dish with non-stick spray, creating alternating layers starting with cooked spaghetti as the base.
5. Distribute sour cream evenly across the first spaghetti layer, then cover with meat sauce. Repeat the layering process to ensure balanced distribution of ingredients.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top layer, creating a complete cheese coverage.
7. Transfer casserole to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
8. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Customize the meat by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Boost vegetable content by adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti or replacing pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which helps develop richer flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 436 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg