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    Home » Recipes » Soul Food Classics

    Easy Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe

    January 13, 2023 by LaKita 20 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    close up side view of single serving of baked spaghetti on white plate
    overhead view of finished baked spaghetti recipe in glass baking dish

    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.

    close up side view of single serving of baked spaghetti on white plate

    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

    overhead view of ingredients needed to make spaghetti
    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). 

    beef, sausage, onion, and garlic in large pot

    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.

    spaghetti sauce ingredients combined together in large pot

    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. 

    spaghetti and cheese in glass baking dish

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

    meat sauce added to baking dish on top of spaghetti and cheese

    Top evenly with the rest of the shredded cheese. 

    spaghetti topped with meat sauce and more shredded mozzarella cheese in glass baking dish

    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!

    close up side view of finished baked spaghetti in glass baking dish

    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

    overhead view of finished baked spaghetti recipe in glass baking dish

    Easy Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe

    LaKita Anderson
    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.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 545 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 9x13-inch rectangle baking dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
    • ¼ cup onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 15 ounces tomato sauce
    • ½ cup ketchup
    • 3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 8 ounces spaghetti
    • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

    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 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound 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 fat.
    • Add the ¼ cup diced onions and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
    • Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute before adding a 15 ounce can of tomato sauce, ½ cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon 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 8 ounces of 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 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Evenly pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and cheese in the baking dish. Top evenly with 1 cup mozzarella 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!
    • Store any leftovers, simply cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Notes

    • 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. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 545kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 27gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1130mgPotassium: 641mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 459IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 156mgIron: 3mg

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword baked spaghetti, southern baked spaghetti recipe
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita
    close up side view of single serving of spaghetti on white plate

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


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Colleen

      January 24, 2023 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved this baked spaghetti dish and it was so simple to make. I will be making it again for sure.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:04 pm

        Thank you Colleen, glad to hear the recipe was a success with you and your family 🙂

        Reply
    2. megane

      January 25, 2023 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      The only way to have spaghetti. Seriously good! Thanks for another great dinner.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:04 pm

        Thank you Megan! I totally agree, baked spaghetti is the best!

        Reply
    3. Enri Lemoine

      January 25, 2023 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      Why everything "southern" has to be so delicious and comforting? I have a similar recipe. I like to call it the busy mom lasagna. But this is superior! I made it last nite, and we ALL LOVED it!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:14 pm

        Thank you Enri! This really is the busy mom lasagna!!! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Tammy

      January 26, 2023 at 12:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love spaghetti served like this. Growing up my mom used to make a spaghetti lasagna and it was so much fun. Baked pasta is even better the next day! Love your spin on this...it sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:14 pm

        Thank you Tammy, this is how my mom used to make it as well, love it!

        Reply
    5. Ann

      January 27, 2023 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      Baked spaghetti is always a crowd pleaser! One can never go wrong making it! This is also a great recipe to make ahead of time, and freeze.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:15 pm

        Thank you Ann, it's a definite crowd pleaser!!!!

        Reply
    6. Loreto and Nicoletta

      January 28, 2023 at 8:38 pm

      5 stars
      This brings back so many memories of our aitaluan recipes. There is one where it is done in a dome and another we do a fritatta with spaghetti. Yours looks like comfort soul food for sure!
      This is a kid pleaser meal for sure!
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:15 pm

        Thank you so much, a dome version sounds fantastic!!

        Reply
    7. Katie Crenshaw

      January 29, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Baked spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe was incredible! The Italian sausage gave it so much flavor. Everyone loved it.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:18 pm

        Thank you Katie, the addition of Italian sausage does give it a little something extra 😉

        Reply
    8. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

      January 29, 2023 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      I grew up on Skettie casserole! This was such a great walk down memory lane! So scrumptious and easy!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:16 pm

        Thank you Lori, nothing like a good skettie casserole!!!!

        Reply
    9. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

      January 29, 2023 at 6:47 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is just perfect to feed a crowd! I made it for dinner when we had family visiting and we loved it. And it was so easy to put it together as well.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:17 pm

        Thank you Sandhya! Glad it was a success, this is a great way to feed a crowd in a hurry!!

        Reply
    10. Amy

      January 29, 2023 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      One of my personal chef client families love this dish. I made it for their weekly menu and the kids were so excited for dinner. The combination of the 2 meats added so much flavor to the dish.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 30, 2023 at 6:18 pm

        Thank you Amy! It's such a great combination, I agree!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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