Comforting Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Families

Southern charm meets comfort food in this mouthwatering baked spaghetti casserole that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Layers of cheesy goodness and hearty pasta create a delightful southern classic.

Creamy textures blend with rich tomato sauce, making each bite a celebration of home-style cooking.

Perfectly seasoned and bubbling with flavor, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Pasta lovers will adore the crispy top and gooey interior that make this casserole irresistible.

Families gather around, eager to dive into this satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this recipe has been passed down through generations.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or ground chicken for a different flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is mild and family-friendly. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want extra heat.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta completely?

Yes, cook the spaghetti until al dente before layering in the casserole. This ensures the pasta doesn’t become mushy during baking.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Full Of Comfort

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that hugs your taste buds with rich, creamy layers of pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Easily feed a hungry family or group with this one-pan wonder that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Meal Prep Marvel: Prepare this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings with friends.
• Customizable Delight: Swap ingredients, adjust spices, or add vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.

Ingredients For Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that forms the base of this hearty Southern casserole.
• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that adds substance to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A traditional tomato-based sauce that provides a tangy and savory foundation.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy and melty blend of cheeses that creates a luxurious and indulgent texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the depth of flavor in the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that bring out the savory notes of the dish.

Step-By-Step Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) to get ready for some serious comfort food action.

Step 2: Noodle Prep

Boil the spaghetti until perfectly tender according to the package guidelines.

Drain and set aside, giving those noodles a moment to rest.

Step 3: Sizzle the Meat

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and get friendly for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Half of the cheddar cheese

Blend until smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Layer the Magic

Grab a greased casserole dish and create your first layer with the cooked spaghetti.

Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles like a warm blanket.

Step 7: Meat and Cheese Topping

Pour the beefy marinara mixture over the cheese layer.

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving up this Southern comfort classic.

Tips To Nail Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Shake the colander thoroughly to remove excess water, preventing a watery casserole.
• Mix different cheese varieties for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Ensure ground beef is well-drained to prevent excess grease in the dish.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake for convenient meal planning.

Variations To Try With Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Casserole: Swap traditional spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Suggestions For Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Southern Comfort Sidekicks: Complement this hearty casserole with fresh, zesty accompaniments that elevate the dining experience.
• Crisp Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Garlic Bread Buddies: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Enjoy a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to enhance the robust flavors of the beef and tomato sauce.

Storing Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
• Place individual serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when thoroughly warm to avoid overcooking.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern baked spaghetti casserole melds classic pasta with hearty Southern comfort. Creamy cheese and rich marinara create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Dairy:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Boil spaghetti in salted water until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef with finely chopped onions and minced garlic until meat turns completely brown and crumbly.
4. Drain any accumulated fat from the meat, then introduce marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes.
5. Create a creamy base by blending softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Arrange the cooked spaghetti as the first layer in the prepared casserole dish, then evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across the pasta.
7. Pour the seasoned beef sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses across the top of the casserole.
9. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes golden, melted, and slightly bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Boost flavor by adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for deeper, richer taste.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Control sodium and customize spice levels by using low-sodium marinara sauce and adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, perfect for busy weeknights.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg