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
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain excess fat.
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Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
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Mix in pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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(Optional) Combine ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan for a creamy layer.
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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.
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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