Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

When it comes to comfort food that brings the whole family together, nothing beats a hearty Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole. This soul-warming dish transforms simple ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weeknights.

I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, and it never fails to deliver that authentic Southern comfort we all crave. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti, and a blend of melted cheeses, this casserole is pure comfort food magic. Let’s dive into creating this family favorite that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

What is Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved comfort food dish that combines the heartiness of traditional spaghetti with the convenience and richness of a baked casserole. Unlike regular spaghetti and meat sauce, this dish is assembled in layers and baked until bubbly and golden.

The casserole typically features seasoned ground beef mixed with a rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, and a generous amount of cheese that melts into gooey perfection. What sets the Southern version apart is its use of cream cheese or sour cream, which creates an incredibly rich and creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.

This dish originated as a way to stretch ingredients and feed large families, making it a staple at church potlucks, family reunions, and Sunday dinners throughout the South. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, with each family adding their own special touches.

Ingredients List for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

1 pound spaghetti noodles
1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
1 large onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

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

Creating the perfect Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole requires careful attention to each layer of flavor. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your casserole turns out absolutely delicious:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Cookware:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:

Add the spaghetti noodles to the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions).
The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness.
Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Season the meat with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.

4. Build the Sauce:

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop deeper flavor.
Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
Season with cayenne pepper if using, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

5. Create the Creamy Layer:

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water to help smooth it out.

6. Assemble the Casserole:

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish.
Dot the cream cheese mixture over the pasta and gently spread it out.
Sprinkle half of the cheddar and half of the mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese layer.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Pour the meat sauce evenly over the pasta.
Top with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake to Perfection:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole lies in its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations I’ve tried over the years:

Meat Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a combination of ground beef and sausage for extra flavor. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded.
Pasta Alternatives: While spaghetti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles work wonderfully and hold the sauce well.
Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of Mexican cheeses, add some pepper jack for heat, or substitute Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor.
Vegetable Additions: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be added to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different.
Spice Level: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give your casserole a Southern kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After making this casserole countless times, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercook it initially to prevent mushy noodles.
Skipping the Rest Time: Don’t skip letting the casserole rest after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.
Using Cold Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing. Cold cream cheese will create lumps.
Not Draining the Meat: Excess grease from the ground beef can make your casserole greasy. Drain it well after browning.
Overpacking the Dish: Don’t compress the layers too much; this prevents even heating and can result in dense spots.
Forgetting to Season: Taste your meat sauce before assembling and adjust seasonings as needed.

How to Serve Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with complementary sides that enhance the Southern comfort food experience. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, while warm garlic breadsticks or cornbread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra sauce.

For beverages, I recommend sweet tea, lemonade, or a light beer. If you’re serving wine, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce and rich cheese.

The casserole serves 8-10 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prep sessions.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

While this is ultimately comfort food, a few simple presentation touches can elevate your casserole:

Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, basil, or the green onions over the top just before serving for a pop of color.
Individual Portions: For special occasions, consider making individual casseroles in ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Rustic Serving: Serve directly from the baking dish at the table for that authentic family-style feel that’s so characteristic of Southern hospitality.
Colorful Additions: A sprinkle of diced fresh tomatoes or a drizzle of good olive oil can add visual appeal.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips for casserole success:

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Double the Recipe: This recipe doubles beautifully for large gatherings. Use two 9×13 pans or one large roasting pan.
Freeze for Later: The assembled casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Leftover Magic: Use leftover casserole in creative ways – it makes an excellent filling for stuffed peppers or can be reheated and served over a baked potato.
Temperature Matters: Use a food thermometer to ensure the center reaches 165°F for food safety.
Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has simple ingredients, using high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheese makes a noticeable difference.

How to Store Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Proper storage ensures your delicious casserole maintains its quality and safety. Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20-30 minutes for the whole casserole). Individual portions reheat well in the microwave, though the texture won’t be quite as good as oven reheating.

For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole without cream cheese?
A: Yes! You can substitute with an equal amount of ricotta cheese mixed with ¼ cup milk, or simply use extra sour cream for a lighter version.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil. Individual portions can be microwaved, but add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully. You might want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey is milder than beef.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The cheese should be melted and bubbly with golden spots on top, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes! Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach all work well. Sauté them with the onions and peppers.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: As written, it’s very mild. The optional cayenne pepper adds just a hint of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Conclusion

Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole represents everything I love about Southern comfort food – it’s hearty, satisfying, and brings people together around the dinner table. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both reliable and adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand.

The combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting a potluck dinner, this casserole delivers every time.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different cheeses, adding your favorite vegetables, or adjusting the spice level to suit your family’s tastes. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility and the way it brings comfort to any table.

Take your time with each layer, use quality ingredients, and don’t forget to let it rest before serving. Your patience will be rewarded with a casserole that’s not just delicious, but also a true representation of Southern hospitality and comfort. Happy cooking, y’all!