Easy Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe

overhead view of finished baked spaghetti recipe in glass baking dish

5 from 14 votes

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked spaghetti, southern baked spaghetti recipe

Servings:

Calories: 545kcal

Author: LaKita Anderson

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.

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