Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you're craving a warm, comforting meal that's both cheesy and packed with flavor, this Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect dish for you! A hearty combination of seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti noodles, and layers of melted cheese make this casserole a family favorite. With a Southern twist that often includes a rich, creamy sauce and plenty of seasonings, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners. Let’s dive into this satisfying, crowd-pleasing casserole!

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What is Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, baked pasta dish that combines spaghetti noodles, a savory meat sauce, and lots of cheese. While traditional baked spaghetti is already a favorite, the Southern twist often includes cream cheese or sour cream to create a creamy, luscious texture. Layers of meat sauce, pasta, and a cheesy topping are baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result? A rich, flavorful casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

Ingredients List for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti (uncooked)
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination of both)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, for a lighter option)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Meat Options: You can substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even ground chicken for a leaner option.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. You can swap out mozzarella for Monterey Jack, or use pepper jack if you want a little heat. For extra richness, add some smoked gouda or provolone.
• Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
• Lighter Option: Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and low-fat cream cheese to make a lighter version of the casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go step-by-step to make this rich and comforting Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-9 minutes). Drain the spaghetti, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. This layer will make the casserole rich and indulgent with a Southern twist.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

To assemble, spread half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Add a layer of the creamy cheese mixture on top of the meat sauce, spreading it out evenly.

Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixture. Top everything with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and enjoy!

How to Cook Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the meat sauce by browning the ground beef, then simmering it with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings.
4. Mix the ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream to create the creamy layer.
5. Assemble the casserole by layering the spaghetti, meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and shredded cheese in the baking dish.
6. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Rest and serve with a garnish of fresh herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole turns out perfectly:

• Not cooking the spaghetti al dente: If you overcook the spaghetti before baking, it will become mushy in the casserole. Make sure to cook the pasta to al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Overloading with sauce: While a good amount of sauce is essential for flavor, too much liquid can make the casserole watery. Drain the diced tomatoes well and don’t over-sauce the layers.
• Not letting it rest: Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows it to set and makes slicing easier.
• Skipping the cheese on top: The golden-brown cheesy crust is one of the best parts of this casserole, so don’t skip that final layer of cheese!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas on how to serve and present your Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole for a beautiful and inviting meal.

How to Serve Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to soak up the rich sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, basil, or even green onions over the top for a pop of color.
• Serve in a rustic dish: Use a classic casserole dish to give the meal a homey, comforting presentation.
• Individual servings: For a dinner party or special occasion, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or smaller baking dishes for portion-controlled servings.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use spaghetti sauce instead of marinara?
A: Yes, you can use spaghetti sauce or any kind of tomato-based pasta sauce for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a sauce you enjoy, as it will flavor the entire casserole.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti with whole wheat pasta for a more wholesome, fiber-rich meal.

Q: How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
A: Make sure to cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking time to retain moisture. If your casserole seems dry, you can add a little extra marinara sauce or broth to the layers before baking.

Conclusion

This Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines the best elements of Southern cuisine with classic baked spaghetti. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly baked spaghetti makes for a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and always delivers. Give it a try, and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest!

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