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There’s something utterly comforting about the sound of bubbling cheese and the waft of marinara filling the air as this Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole bakes away in the oven. Picture a cozy night in, where laughter echoes around the dinner table, and everyone is eagerly waiting for that first, perfect cheesy bite. This recipe is a beloved staple in our home, effortlessly bridging the gap between satisfying indulgence and wholesome nourishment, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Imagine sinking your fork into layers of savory ground beef, tender spaghetti noodles, and melted cheese—each bite a warm embrace that speaks to the heart of Southern hospitality. And here’s the best part: it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies or cater to dietary preferences, this casserole has you covered. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this culinary tradition that’s sure to become a cherished favorite at your table.

Why is Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole a must-try?

Comforting Experience: This dish is a warm hug for your stomach, combining classic flavors that every family loves.

Effortless Preparation: Quick and simple to whip up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner rather than cooking.

Versatile & Customizable: Adapt it to fit your family’s preferences—swap beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or use alternative pasta to suit your needs.

Kid-Friendly Delight: Kids adore the cheesy goodness, making it an easy win for family meals.

Meal Prep Dream: Perfect for make-ahead meals and freezes beautifully, ensuring deliciousness is always just a reheat away.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce
• Olive Oil – Adds fat for cooking; can use vegetable oil as a substitute.
• Lean Ground Beef (93% lean) – Provides protein and hearty structure; ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Enhances flavor with aromatic notes; fresh garlic is preferred for best taste.
• Sweet Onion (1 cup, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth; yellow onion can be used in place of sweet onion.
• Green Bell Pepper (1 large, seeded and chopped) – Contributes crunch and flavor; red or yellow bell peppers work well too.
• Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, drained) – Adds acidity and moisture; substitute with crushed tomatoes if desired.
• Marinara Sauce (24 oz, up to 32 oz if desired) – Base sauce for pasta; use homemade or pre-made sauces to save time.
• Fresh Basil (1 tbsp, chopped) – Offers aromatic freshness; dried basil may be used in lesser quantities.
• Fresh Oregano (1 tbsp, chopped) – Imparts herbal flavor; fresh is preferred, but dried can work in a pinch.
• Salt (1 tsp, adjust to taste) – Essential seasoning; kosher salt is recommended for best results.
• Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Adds warmth; adjust based on personal heat preference.

For the Pasta Base
• Spaghetti Noodles (14.5 oz) – Core of the casserole; substitute with whole grain or protein-packed alternatives for added nutrition.

For the Cheese Topping
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded) – Adds rich, nutty flavors; Pecorino Romano can also be used for a different taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – Provides gooey texture; cheddar can be used for a distinctive flavor profile.

How to Make Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and achieves that golden, bubbly cheese by the end!
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and brown it for about 4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked.
Sauté Vegetables: Toss in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the aroma fills your kitchen.
Combine Ingredients: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer on low to meld those delicious flavors together.
Cook Spaghetti: While the meat sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain without rinsing to keep the starch intact.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13” baking dish with a touch of olive oil. In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with Parmesan cheese, then pour the flavorful meat sauce on top.
Mix Well: Gently combine the spaghetti and meat sauce in the baking dish, ensuring the noodles are well-coated. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible gooey finish.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, bubbling cheerily at the edges.
Let Rest: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This cooling period makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or extra cheese for an appealing presentation.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole preparations make it a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the meat sauce, cook the spaghetti al dente, and add everything to your baking dish as instructed. To maintain quality, cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge for about 40-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This way, you enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without the last-minute rush, and it’ll be just as cheesy and comforting as when freshly made!

What to Serve with Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Pair your casserole with delightful sides to create a well-rounded, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery flavor of garlic bread complements the cheesy casserole perfectly, providing a crunchy contrast that enhances every bite.
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the casserole.
Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw offers a refreshing texture and a bit of tang, making it a classic Southern side that pairs beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a healthy touch and a pop of color to your table; it’s a crunchy contrast to the soft pasta.
Homemade Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are the ultimate sidekick, perfect for scooping up extra sauce and cheese from your casserole.
Fruit Salad: A light and sweet fruit salad brings a refreshing end to your meal, cleansing the palate and satisfying any sweet cravings.
Red Wine: A glass of red wine, like a Chianti, enriches the meal, bringing out the flavors of the marinara and meat beautifully.
Chocolate Brownies: End your dinner on a sweet note; warm, fudgy brownies are the ideal dessert after a hearty casserole.

Expert Tips for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Al Dente Perfection: Ensure the spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid a mushy casserole after baking.
Don’t Rinse Pasta: Retaining the pasta’s starch helps the sauce cling better, enhancing the flavor of your Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
Keep Cheese Covered: If your cheese is browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil to ensure even cooking without burning.
Rest for Easier Serving: Allow the baked casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes serving cleaner.
Tweak Your Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for varied flavors and textures in your casserole.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Variations

Feel free to put your personal spin on this delightful dish with these exciting variations!

Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based option. This keeps all the flavors intact while being friendly to meatless diets.
Low-Carb Twist: Replace spaghetti noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash to create a veggie-packed, low-carb version that’s equally delicious. Enjoy the added nutrition with each bite!
Cheesy Boost: Mix in ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamier texture. This twist adds richness and extra gooeyness, elevating your casserole to new creamy heights.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate chopped spinach, diced carrots, or bell peppers for a nutritious boost and a pop of color. Sneak in those greens effortlessly while keeping it delicious!
Herbal Fusion: Spruce up the flavor profile by adding crushed red pepper or a dash of balsamic vinegar. These additions provide subtle sweetness or a desirable heat that tantalizes the tastebuds.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheddar or gouda for a unique cheesy flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own character that can completely transform the classic dish!
Protein Punch: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option. This swap provides a subtle change while keeping the comforting essence of the dish.
Saucy Variation: For a richer, saucier casserole, add an extra cup of marinara sauce. This results in a more decadent dish that’s perfect for those who love a saucy twist!

How to Store and Freeze Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezer: The casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe dish.

Reheating: For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This way, you can enjoy your delicious Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole as if it were fresh!

Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe FAQs

What type of ground beef should I use for the casserole?
Absolutely! For a rich taste and hearty texture, I recommend using lean ground beef (93% lean). If you prefer something lighter, ground turkey is a wonderful alternative that still provides protein without the extra fat.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just reheat some in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and you’ve got a quick, comforting meal ready to go!

Can I freeze the Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?
Very easily! After cooling the casserole completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For optimal taste, I recommend thawing it in the fridge overnight before reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What if my casserole is too watery after baking?
If you find your casserole isn’t holding together well, it might be due to overcooked pasta or too much sauce. To avoid this, be sure to cook your spaghetti al dente (just firm to the bite) and avoid rinsing it after draining, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better!

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! For a delicious vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for lentils or your favorite meat substitute. You can also load it up with veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I know if my pasta is cooked al dente?
To ensure perfect al dente pasta, boil your spaghetti until it’s tender but still slightly firm in the center. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Remember not to rinse the pasta after draining, as this removes the starch that helps the sauce stick!