Looking for the perfect comfort food to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings? This Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole recipe is exactly what you need! It's a hearty, cheesy, and delicious meal that combines the best of Southern cooking with classic Italian flavors. Stick with me through this easy-to-follow guide, and I’ll show you how to whip up a family-favorite dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let's get started!
What is Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?
Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful twist on the traditional spaghetti dish, blending tender pasta with a savory meat sauce, rich cheese, and creamy ingredients, all baked to perfection in one dish. It’s a comfort food classic in the Southern United States, often served for Sunday dinners, holidays, and potlucks. This casserole takes the simplicity of spaghetti and adds layers of cheesy, meaty goodness that make it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this amazing dish. These ingredients are easy to find and probably already in your pantry or refrigerator!
- 12 ounces of spaghetti (about ¾ of a standard box)
- 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce (or homemade sauce if preferred)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Ingredients List for Homemade Marinara (Optional)
If you want to take your Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole to the next level, try making your own marinara sauce. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole recipe is its versatility. Here are some substitution ideas and variations that you can try to make it your own:
- Protein alternatives: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. You could also use a mixture of beef and sausage for more flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Different cheeses: While mozzarella and cheddar are the go-to cheeses for this recipe, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even provolone would work well in this dish.
- Low-carb or gluten-free: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti to make a low-carb or gluten-free version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed, since gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster.
- Cream of chicken soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade cream sauce with heavy cream, butter, and chicken stock.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive into the cooking process? Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole that will impress everyone at the table.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly 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 it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually around 8–10 minutes). Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain the excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. Let it simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, ricotta cheese, and eggs. This mixture will create the creamy, cheesy layers that make the casserole so delicious.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Now comes the fun part—layering! In the prepared baking dish, start by adding half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Let it Rest
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
How to Cook Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is an easy process that can be broken down into a few key steps:
- Cook your spaghetti: Make sure it’s cooked al dente, so it holds its shape in the casserole.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the meat, sauté the veggies, and simmer the marinara sauce.
- Mix the cheese layer: Combine the cream of mushroom soup, ricotta, sour cream, and eggs for a creamy texture.
- Layer the ingredients: Build the casserole by layering the spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Bake and enjoy: Bake the casserole until golden and bubbly, then let it rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooking it can result in mushy spaghetti once baked.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and keeping the texture intact.
- Not seasoning enough: Be generous with your seasonings, especially salt and pepper. The cheese and pasta can mute flavors, so taste as you go to ensure the sauce and cheese mixture are well-seasoned.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole, presentation is just as important as taste. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:
How to Serve Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Portion with a spatula: Use a wide spatula to serve the casserole in neat, square slices. This keeps the layers intact.
- Garnish for freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top before serving. This not only adds color but also brightens the flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Family-style: Serve the casserole in the baking dish at the center of the table for a cozy, family-style meal.
- Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, you can portion the casserole into individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes before baking.
Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.
- Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Add vegetables: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the meat sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use other long pasta like fettuccine or linguine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to bake.
Conclusion
Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce into one irresistible casserole. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Follow the steps, use the variations and tips, and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
PrintSouthern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole recipe features a savory blend of spaghetti, ground beef, marinara, and cheese baked to perfection. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this comforting dish is full of flavor. Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, southern casserole, cheesy spaghetti recipe, comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté diced onions until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with butter, beaten eggs, and sour cream until well combined.
- Layer half the spaghetti mixture in the prepared dish. Top with half the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half the cheeses.
- Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for ground beef.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and veggies.
- Make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
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