Easy Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe

This Easy Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe is the perfect pasta bake the whole family is sure to love. Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, spaghetti, and other simple ingredients. It's a great way to have an easy meal anytime.

For more great recipes that are similar to this baked spaghetti recipe, then be sure to try making a comforting dish of Ravioli Lasagna or a Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe.

Traditional spaghetti is a favorite main course meal around here. It’s comforting, filling, and the perfect meal to share with loved ones. Plus it comes together in minutes and this recipe includes a homemade sauce that uses a few ingredients. 

I would love to take full credit for this recipe, but it’s actually been in my family for years. I’m not really sure who it came from as it’s been passed around the family for so many years. Each person puts their own spin on it, but here’s the version that my mom used to make. Although I’ve always called it baked spaghetti my mom calls it beef and sausage casserole. 

At any rate…Let’s get started!

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need
• Step By Step Instructions
• Recipe Tips & Tricks
• Storage
• 📖 Recipe
• More Recipes You'll Love

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Spaghetti - You can use regular spaghetti noodles or thin spaghetti pasta, both will work in this spaghetti recipe. This ingredient is what makes the dish so be sure to boil it to al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. 
2. Cheese - Use shredded mozzarella cheese to layer the easy-baked spaghetti and provide cheesiness to the dish. You can also use an Italian blend of cheese as well if you prefer. Try shredding the mozzarella cheese yourself using a box grater because it melts so much better and doesn’t have any additional preservatives as bagged cheese does. 
3. Ground Beef - Ground beef is needed to make the meat sauce. Try using a lean ground beef mix that is at least 16% to 25% fat if possible for best results. You may substitute the ground beef for ground turkey as well if you prefer.
4. Ground Sausage - Use ground Italian sausage that is mild or hot in flavor to add another meat and more flavor to the meat sauce. 
5. Onion - Chop a yellow or white onion into small even pieces to add to the sauce for additional flavor. 
6. Garlic - Add two cloves of minced garlic to the sauce mixture, if you prefer more, then go ahead and add as much as you like. 
7. Tomato Sauce - This ingredient forms the base of the sauce and helps to blend the sauce ingredients together. Use any that you prefer. 
8. Ketchup - Adds a bit of sweetness and tanginess to balance the sauce and keep it from tasting bitter. 
9. Worcestershire Sauce - Provides a nice savory flavor to the sauce and gives it great flavor. 
10. Italian Seasoning - This spice blend helps to season the sauce and provides the flavor profile that you find in Italian-style recipes. 
11. Salt and Ground Black Pepper - Provides a bit of spice to keep the meat sauce from tasting flat. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Step By Step Instructions

Begin the recipe by grabbing a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Use softened butter or olive oil to rub on the bottom and sides of the baking dish. You may also lightly spray it with cooking spray as well. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Using a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and ground sausage. While cooking the ground meats, continuously break the meat into small pieces using a meat chopper or medium spoon. Continue cooking the beef and sausage until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Carefully drain off the excess oil (fat). 

Add the diced onions and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute before adding the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt and ground black pepper. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to come to a boil before reducing the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid and allow it time to simmer about 5 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions, cook the spaghetti pasta in boiling water that is heavily salted until it’s al dente. Drain off the water and place the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with an even layer of shredded cheese. 

Evenly pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and cheese in the baking dish.

Top evenly with the rest of the shredded cheese. 

Place it into the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and cut into 8 pieces. Serve warm topped with grated Parmesan cheese, a salad, and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• This spaghetti casserole can be made in advance. Assemble it and cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, allow it time to come to room temperature a bit before placing it into the oven.
• If you prefer to use a premade jar spaghetti sauce instead of making it, then you can for a shortcut. 
• When ready to serve, grate the top with some Parmesan cheese. 
• You can also substitute the shredded mozzarella cheese with other types of cheese, such as shredded cheddar cheese or any that you prefer. Cottage cheese and ricotta cheese will work as well. 

Storage

If you have any leftovers, simply cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also transfer it to a separate airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave or a saucepan over medium heat until warm. 

Freezing - Assemble the baked spaghetti in the baking dish and allow it to cool to room temperature. Without baking, cover it tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before, then bake as directed. You may need to add some additional sauce if you plan on freezing it and it may need more cook time. 

📖 Recipe

More Recipes You'll Love

• Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe 
• Ravioli Lasagna 
• Easy Lasagna Recipe
• Cheesy Ravioli Bake  
• Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this Southern Baked Spaghetti? Please share them in the comments below!