Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
A comforting Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole featuring lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of marinara and aromatic herbs, baked to golden perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty casserole combines the familiar flavors of spaghetti with a satisfying baked twist, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sweet onion (finely chopped)
- 1 large green pepper (seeded and finely chopped)
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (or 32 oz for a saucier casserole)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 14.5 oz spaghetti noodles (protein-plus pasta recommended)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 4 minutes, breaking it up with a sturdy spoon until it starts to brown.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and green peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
- Mix Sauce: Drain any liquid from the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chopped fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently while preparing the pasta.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Generously spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Spaghetti and Parmesan: Add cooked spaghetti to the baking dish and toss it with shredded Parmesan cheese to evenly coat the noodles.
- Add Sauce: Pour the meat and tomato sauce mixture on top of the spaghetti and gently stir to combine all ingredients nicely.
- Top with Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
Notes
- For a saucier casserole, increase the marinara sauce to 32 oz.
- Using protein-plus pasta boosts the dish's protein content.
- Adjust salt according to your taste preference.
- Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
