Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you're craving a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and the warmth of Southern cuisine, this Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole recipe is for you! With layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and perfectly seasoned pasta, this is a meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and can even be prepared ahead of time. Keep reading for the full step-by-step guide to making this crowd-pleasing Southern classic, along with all the tips and tricks you need to perfect it every time!

What Is Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, baked to perfection with layers of sauce, pasta, and cheese. The rich, meaty sauce is typically made with ground beef, sausage, or a combination of both, combined with marinara sauce, fresh herbs, and sometimes a hint of sweetness. The pasta is mixed with a cheesy, creamy mixture and then baked in the oven until bubbly and golden. This comforting casserole is beloved in the South and beyond for its combination of rich flavors, satisfying textures, and easy-to-make appeal.

Ingredients List for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering dish:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound Italian sausage (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spaghetti and Cheese Layer:

• 12 oz spaghetti (cooked al dente)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a Southern twist)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great substitutions and variations:

1. Protein Alternatives: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to make the dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly. You can also omit the sausage or use all beef if preferred.
2. Cheese Variations: If you’re out of ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. You can also experiment with different cheese blends—try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda for a different flavor.
3. Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb variation, swap out the spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. It offers the same comforting flavors without the carbs.
4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta in place of traditional spaghetti to make this casserole gluten-free. Most gluten-free pastas bake similarly to regular pasta in casseroles, so the texture will still be perfect.
5. Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and bulk up your sauce with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty, veggie-packed dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfectly cheesy, comforting casserole in no time.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sausage (if using), and diced onions. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole In the prepared casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.

Step 6: Top with Cheese Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. This cheesy topping will create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Step 8: Let It Rest Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Spaghetti: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so make sure to cook it until it’s just under al dente.
2. Skipping the Seasoning: Be generous with your seasoning—both the sauce and cheese layers need to be well seasoned to bring out the best flavors.
3. Not Letting It Rest: Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up and makes it easier to serve. Cutting into it too soon can result in a messy plate.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole, presentation matters. Here are a few ideas to make it look as good as it tastes:

1. Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Slice Neatly: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing to get clean, even pieces.
3. Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.
4. Bread on the Side: Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls for a complete, satisfying meal.

How to Serve Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty dish that doesn’t need much alongside it. However, it pairs well with:

• A fresh garden salad with Italian or balsamic dressing
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or green beans
• A glass of sweet iced tea for a true Southern meal experience

Presentation Ideas for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

For special occasions or gatherings, try these presentation ideas:

1. Serve in Individual Ramekins: Make mini casseroles by dividing the ingredients into individual ramekins. This adds a touch of elegance and makes serving easy.
2. Top with Extra Cheese: For extra indulgence, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top right before serving.
3. Garnish with Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves placed strategically on top can elevate the dish’s appearance.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes of baking time if needed.
2. Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it fully but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
3. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in two dishes. You can never have too much of this delicious casserole!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole? A: Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Skip the meat and add extra vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers? A: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover baked casserole. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings. With its rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that satisfies every time. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try out some of the suggested variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for those nights when you need a warm, hearty meal on the table!

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