Cozy Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

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

Layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering centerpiece for any gathering.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty dish with love and regional flair.

Creamy textures and bold flavors tell a story of traditional southern cooking passed down through kitchens.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the crispy edges and gooey center that make this casserole irresistible.

Weeknight dinners or weekend celebrations feel instantly special with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Let’s dive into a meal that brings warmth and joy to your table.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole: A Classic Twist

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This Southern-style casserole transforms classic spaghetti into a hearty, cheesy dish that brings everyone around the table with its irresistible flavors.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep and straightforward ingredients make this recipe a go-to for busy families looking for a delicious, satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Crowd-Feeder: Easily adaptable for different meat preferences, dietary needs, and serving sizes, this casserole works perfectly for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinner parties.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines pasta, protein, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and offering a complete meal that's both comforting and convenient.

Ingredients for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Ground Beef or Sausage: Rich meat that provides a hearty base for the casserole.
• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate component of the dish.

• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help hold the casserole together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps create a creamy texture.
• Cheese: Provides melty, gooey topping that browns beautifully during baking.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional Italian-style tomato flavor to the dish.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the meat sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Standard seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Make Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

This will create the perfect cozy environment for your spaghetti casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti following the package instructions.

Once it’s perfectly tender, drain the water completely.

Step 3: Sizzle the Aromatics

Grab a skillet and heat up some olive oil.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their fragrant magic.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet.

Break it up and cook until it’s beautifully browned and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.

Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Fold in the cooked spaghetti, coating each strand with the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

Grease a casserole dish and spread half the spaghetti across the bottom.

• Meat sauce
• Half of the cheese

Step 8: Add the Final Layers

Cover with the remaining spaghetti and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible crust.

Pro Tips for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Slightly undercook spaghetti before mixing with eggs to ensure it doesn't become mushy during baking.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the meat sauce for extra richness and complexity.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a more interesting cheese profile and better melting texture.
• Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that's equally delicious.

Variations for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and include taco seasoning for a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Comfort Crew Feast: Perfect for family dinners where everyone gathers around and enjoys hearty, warm bites together.

Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this casserole to community gatherings where people appreciate rich, homestyle cooking that feeds a crowd.

Movie Night Magic: Serve slices alongside garlic bread and a crisp salad for a satisfying meal during movie or game nights with friends.

Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – ideal for busy weeknight meals with minimal last-minute cooking stress.

Storage Advice for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Cut desired portion and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Why use eggs in this spaghetti casserole?

Eggs help bind the spaghetti together, creating a firmer texture and preventing the pasta from becoming too dry during baking, which ensures a more cohesive and creamy dish.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests ground beef or sausage, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences.

• Is this dish considered a make-ahead meal?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this mouthwatering Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole, blending creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. Generations of family recipes come together in one irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef or sausage
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Binding Ingredient:

• 2 eggs

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, season with salt and pepper, and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich flavors.
6. Whisk eggs in a separate mixing bowl, then incorporate grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy binding mixture.
7. Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the egg and cheese mixture, ensuring even coating.
8. Grease a casserole dish, then spread half the spaghetti mixture across the bottom as the first layer.
9. Evenly distribute meat sauce over the spaghetti, then sprinkle half of the remaining cheeses on top.
10. Add the final layer of spaghetti, covering the meat sauce completely.
11. Top with remaining cheese, creating an even, generous covering.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.

Notes

• Enhance protein by substituting ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier twist.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress during meal preparation.
• Add extra depth of flavor by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the meat sauce for a more vibrant taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg