Description
This Southern Spaghetti Bake is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting casserole that combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese — perfect for Sunday dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 lb (16 oz) dried spaghetti
1 lb lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
½ lb mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz jar pasta sauce (marinara or preferred)
14 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 cup tomato paste
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Optional creamy layer) 1 cup ricotta or ½ cup sour cream + ½ cup cottage cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
Mix in pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
(Optional) Combine ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan for a creamy layer.
Layering option: Spread half the pasta, top with half the meat sauce, creamy layer, and cheese; repeat.
Mixed option: Combine pasta with sauce and transfer to the dish, topping with cheese.Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent sogginess.
You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Freeze unbaked or baked portions for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg