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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a creamy base by blending softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Arrange the cooked spaghetti as the first layer in the prepared casserole dish, then evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across the pasta.
- Pour the seasoned beef sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses across the top of the casserole.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes golden, melted, and slightly bubbly.
- 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