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Southern Baked Spaghetti

Southern Baked Spaghetti

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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta substitution)

Description

Southern Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and nostalgic Southern casserole featuring tender spaghetti pasta baked with a rich, savory meat and tomato sauce, creamy cheese layers including cream cheese or Velveeta, and topped with a bubbly blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This hearty one-dish meal is simple to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, bringing authentic Southern flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Cheese Mixture

  • 4 oz cream cheese or Velveeta, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente; this ensures the noodles hold up well during baking.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in tomato sauce along with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Combine Cheeses and Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese or Velveeta cubes with a portion of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Once slightly softened, fold this cheesy mixture gently into the meat sauce to create a creamy, rich base.
  4. Layer and Bake: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the cheesy meat sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish, top with the remaining shredded cheeses, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set nicely and makes for easier portioning.

Notes

  • Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushy pasta after baking.
  • Balance sharp cheddar with mild mozzarella for the perfect cheesy melt and flavor harmony.
  • Add freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving to brighten the rich flavors.
  • Grease your baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  • Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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Find it online: https://delectablemeal.com/southern-baked-spaghetti/