Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that wraps you up in big, warm flavors, you’re going to adore this Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish takes classic spaghetti and turns it into a cozy, cheesy casserole that my whole family begs for again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits that perfect balance between hearty and saucy, with just the right amount of melty mozzarella on top. Come on, let me walk you through how to make this fan-freaking-tastic Southern staple!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create a hearty, satisfying dish. I love using fresh herbs and good-quality marinara sauce because they really lift the flavors to that next-level comfort zone. Here’s a quick rundown with some tips to save you time and improve taste.

• Olive oil: Use a good extra virgin olive oil for sautéing that adds richness without overpowering flavors.
• Lean ground beef: I use 93% lean to keep it flavorful but not greasy, which helps the casserole stay balanced.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch—don’t substitute with powder if you want that extra aroma.
• Sweet onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness that complements the meat and sauce beautifully.
• Green pepper: Adds crunch and freshness; be sure to seed it well before chopping.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Drained, to keep the casserole from getting watery while adding texture.
• Marinara sauce: Use 24 ounces if you want it more meat-forward or go up to 32 ounces to get more saucy goodness.
• Fresh basil and oregano: I love chopping fresh herbs for the fragrance and authentic taste; dried can work if you’re in a pinch.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust these to taste—you can always add more but can’t take away!
• Spaghetti noodles: Cook al dente for the best texture; I like protein-plus pasta for a subtle nutrient boost.
• Parmesan cheese: Shredded to mix right in with the pasta, adding a savory tang that’s unmistakable.
• Mozzarella cheese: The melty topping that pulls everything together into one scrumptious bite.

Variations

This Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is like a blank canvas. I love playing around with it depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving that week. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this classic—you’ll be surprised how flexible it is!

• Swap the meat: I’ve used ground turkey or shredded chicken before for a lighter twist, and it still came out amazing.
• Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture—my kids love it hidden in there.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce takes it from comforting to exciting.
• Use different cheeses: Try a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar or add some smoked gouda for a smoky depth.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils or a meat substitute and load up on those veggies for a tasty meatless meal.

How to Make Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it for about 4 minutes, breaking it up with a sturdy spoon as it browns. When the beef starts to get some color, stir in the minced garlic, chopped onions, and green pepper. Cook everything together until the veggies soften—about another 4 minutes. This step is essential because it builds the flavorful base of your casserole. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet to keep the final dish from being soggy.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Next, stir in your drained diced tomatoes along with the marinara sauce, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Turn your stove down to low and let this simmer while you prepare the pasta. Simmering melds all the flavors together and thickens the sauce just enough so it clings well to the noodles without washing them out.

Step 3: Cook and Toss Your Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. I always get the timing right by tasting a strand early—there’s nothing worse than mushy pasta in a baked casserole! Drain your noodles thoroughly but don’t rinse them; the pasta starches help the sauce stick. Then, spray a generous amount of olive oil spray in a 9×13 baking dish and toss the noodles with shredded Parmesan cheese to add a bit of savory flavor right in.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta in your baking dish and stir gently to combine everything evenly. Top it all off with a thick layer of shredded mozzarella cheese—trust me, that cheese is the magic. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 30 minutes, until the mozzarella is golden and bubbly. When it comes out of the oven, your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll have that perfect casserole texture—creamy on the inside with a slightly crisp top.

How to Serve Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded Parmesan or chopped fresh basil on top right before serving to give it that fresh, bright pop. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also adds a nice finishing touch if you enjoy a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette and some buttery garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Southern-style collard greens or roasted vegetables also jazz it up with some extra nutrients and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for cute, personalized servings. It also looks stunning topped with fresh basil leaves and served family-style with colorful side bowls for everyone to customize their plates—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they typically hold up well for 3 to 4 days. When I reheat it, I notice the flavors deepen and meld even more—that’s the beauty of casseroles!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking with success. Just cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes if refrigerated or 40 minutes if frozen. I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella on top before the last 5 minutes for that bubbly finish!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so reliably comforting, easy to throw together, and endlessly adaptable. I used to struggle to find a baked pasta recipe that everyone enjoyed, but this one checks all the boxes every time. I truly hope you give it a whirl and make it your own—nothing beats the smell of bubbling cheese and simmered herbs drifting through your house. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular dinner rotation too!

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