Cozy Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe That Warms Hearts

Comfort food reaches new heights with this southern baked spaghetti casserole that promises to delight your taste buds.

Layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese create a hearty meal everyone will adore.

Creamy and indulgent, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

The blend of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary pasta night into a memorable feast.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

This classic southern-style casserole turns an everyday pasta dish into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Come savor a slice of pure culinary comfort that celebrates the best of home cooking.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Flavor Boost

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic spaghetti into a hearty, cheesy casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Preparation: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers where everyone craves a delicious, filling meal.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this recipe a go-to solution for busy home cooks looking to create a memorable dish without stress.
• Customizable Culinary Experience: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up cheeses, adding vegetables, or using different ground meats to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the foundation of this hearty Southern casserole.
• Ground Beef: Provides rich protein and robust flavor to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds classic Italian tomato-based sauce for depth and moisture.

• Eggs: Help bind the casserole layers and create a cohesive texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tangy richness to the pasta mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide melty, gooey topping with sharp and mild cheese flavors.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental ingredients that build a flavor base for the meat sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the casserole.

How To Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for a mouthwatering Southern comfort dish.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil your spaghetti until it’s perfectly cooked, then drain and set it aside for the upcoming flavor explosion.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Ground beef

Cook everything until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown and drain any extra fat.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Let the mixture simmer and develop rich, deep flavors for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Mix Creamy Pasta Base

• Cooked spaghetti
• Beaten eggs
• Sour cream

Blend until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 6: Layer Like a Pro

• First layer: Half of the spaghetti mixture
• Second layer: Beef sauce
• Repeat the layers for maximum flavor impact

Step 7: Cheese Heaven

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving up this Southern comfort masterpiece.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Tips For Success

• Slightly undercook spaghetti during initial boiling to avoid becoming mushy during baking.
• Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking for perfectly melted and set cheese layers.
• Use lean ground beef or turkey to decrease overall dish calories without losing flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to meat sauce for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

New Spins On Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free option that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and verify marinara sauce is gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's comforting essence.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for those who enjoy a zestier, more intense flavor profile.

Serving Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Cheesy Comfort Platter: Serve this hearty casserole on a large wooden board with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the entire casserole in the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own generous portions with a big serving spoon.
• Southern Side Companions: Pair with crisp coleslaw, buttery garlic bread, or a light green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel, which will enhance the robust beef and tomato sauce.

How To Store Spaghetti Casserole Right

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• What makes this baked spaghetti different from traditional spaghetti?

This Southern-style casserole combines classic spaghetti with a creamy egg and sour cream base, creating a richer, more comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well to maintain the dish’s robust flavor.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?

The combination of eggs, sour cream, and marinara sauce helps keep the spaghetti moist. Also, avoid overcooking and let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to retain moisture.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this classic baked spaghetti casserole, where creamy cheese and hearty meat sauce create a delightful culinary symphony. Generous layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheddar promise a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti (uncooked)

Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Seasoning and Other Ingredients:

• 1 can (24 ounces/680 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. Boil spaghetti until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside, ensuring each strand is ready for layering.
3. Sizzle onions and garlic in a skillet until fragrant, then introduce ground beef and cook until richly browned, carefully draining any excess fat.
4. Enrich the meat with marinara sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors for 5-10 minutes.
5. Create a creamy base by blending cooked spaghetti with whisked eggs and smooth sour cream, ensuring even distribution.
6. Construct the casserole in a greased baking dish by creating alternating layers: first, spread half the spaghetti mixture, then generously cover with the robust meat sauce. Repeat the layering process.
7. Crown the casserole with a luxurious blanket of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, promising a golden, melted finish.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with appetizing intensity. Allow a brief cooling period before serving to let flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Boost moisture by adding a splash of pasta water to the spaghetti mixture for extra creaminess and binding.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
• Enhance flavor complexity by mixing different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a more robust taste profile.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating, which allows flavors to meld and saves time on busy days.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 639 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 683 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 121 mg