Southern Baked Spaghetti

So what is Southern Baked Spaghetti casserole? It is similar to traditional spaghetti except it is in casserole form.

Southern Baked Spaghetti also has a creamy layer of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. You could easily substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta cheese though.

Another name for Southern Baked Spaghetti is Million Dollar Spaghetti. The two names are used interchangeably for the same thing.

You'll start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the packages directions.

Next, you'll brown ground beef and mix in the marinara sauce and cooked spaghetti noddles.

Finally, you'll layer the mixture with a ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese blend before baking in a 9x13 casserole dish.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• The recipe is easy to double batch. Just double the recipe. Either serve both Southern baked spaghetti pans or serve one and freeze the other.
• This easy Southern Baked Spaghetti casserole is perfect for a family dinner or large gathering. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• The baked spaghetti recipe takes about one hour from start to finish.

Recipe Ingredients

• Spaghetti noodles
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Ground beef
• Marinara or pasta sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Parmesan
• Mozzarella

Ingredient Notes

Spaghetti noodles: Spaghetti is easy to find. You could also try this recipe with a different type of pasta noodle.

Onion: I love the taste and texture of onions. If if you aren't a fan of onions, you can simply leave the onion out.

Ground beef: Ground turkey or even Italian sausage can be used. I usually opt for ground beef.

Marinara or pasta sauce: Either sauce can be used. Pasta sauce tends to have a more robust and complex taste.

Italian seasoning: You can use a jar of Italian seasoning or make your own.

Ricotta cheese: I prefer to use ricotta cheese in this Souther baked spaghetti recipe. Cottage cheese could be used as an alternative.

Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together while baking.

Parmesan & Mozzarella: Spaghetti isn't complete without cheese! If you are feeling daring, you can try this recipe with other types of cheeses.

How to Make Southern Baked Spaghetti: Step by Step Instructions

Souther baked spaghetti is simple to make. You'll use a 9x13 baking dish to layer the spaghetti noodles and cheese mixture to create a hearty family dinner.

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the ground beef. Brown the ground beef until it is fully cook and no pink is visible. Drain any grease from the meat. Return the meat to the stove and turn the heat to low.

Step 4: Stir in the sauce and the Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the ground beef and sauce mixture. Stir the noodles until they are coated with sauce.

Step 6: In a separate bowl, add the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, shredded parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir together until well mixed.

Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Coat a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray. Place half of the spaghetti noodles and sauce in the bottom of the dish. Next, add all of the cheese mixture and spread it out over the spaghetti noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti to the top of the casserole.

Step 9: Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Baked uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil until the Southern baked spaghetti is heated through if the cheese on top begins to brown.

📖 Recipe

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Do not overcook the spaghetti noodles. Remove and drain the spaghetti noodles once they are al dente. The spaghetti noodles will continue to cook when the casserole dish is baking.
• Cottage cheese can be substituted for the ricotta cheese. Most grocery stores carry ricotta cheese, but cottage cheese tends to be easier to find and cheaper.
• Eat one now and freeze one for later by doubling the recipe. This recipe can easily be doubled. Enjoy a Souther baked spaghetti casserole now and freeze one for later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this Southern Baked Spaghetti recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole according to the recipe directions. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once you are ready to serve the dish, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes, or until heated through.

Can this be a freezer meal?

Yes! This can easily be converted to a freezer meal. Follow the recipe directions. However, do not bake the Southern baked spaghetti. Instead, freeze the baked spaghetti casserole before you bake it. Make sure it is covered in an airtight way. Use a disposable foil pan for easier storage and cleanup.

Storage & Reheating:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you are making the Southern baked spaghetti ahead of time, freeze the baked spaghetti casserole before you bake it.

Additions and Substitutions

Italian sausage: Instead of using ground beef in the Southern baked spaghetti casserole, you could just as easily use Italian sausage or a 50/50 mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.

Diced green peppers: Want to add more vegetables? Diced green peppers would make a great addition to the baked spaghetti dish.

Traditional pasta sauce: Instead of using marinara sauce, traditional spaghetti pasta sauce can be used instead. Some people prefer the more robust and complex taste of pasta sauce.

Cottage cheese: Don't have ricotta cheese? No problem! Cottage cheese can be used instead.

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