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Southern Baked Spaghetti

Southern Baked Spaghetti
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A comforting Southern Baked Spaghetti casserole featuring tender spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for family meals, this dish is easy to make, versatile, and ideal for cozy dinners or leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs

Cheese and Egg Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Meat Sauce: Boil the spaghetti noodles until just shy of al dente, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce along with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently to combine the flavors.
  2. Mix the Cheese and Egg Base: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with milk or cream. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, reserving a small amount of cheddar for topping. This mixture will bind the casserole and create a creamy texture.
  3. Combine and Layer: Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the meat sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all noodles. Gently fold in the cheese and egg mixture, making sure every noodle is coated without breaking them. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
  4. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep noodles slightly firm as they will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Use sharp, aged cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for best flavor and meltability.
  • Drain ground beef fat carefully to avoid greasy casserole.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking for cleaner slices and better texture.
  • Adjust garlic, pepper, and herbs to customize the spice levels for your family’s taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Baked Spaghetti, comfort food, baked pasta casserole, cheesy spaghetti, family dinner, easy weeknight meal, baked spaghetti casserole

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