Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole
A savory and comforting casserole featuring layers of spaghetti, a rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti Cook according to package instructions
Meat and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternative
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cottage cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce on top, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture, followed by the rest of the meat sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter meal. Use a mix of cheeses such as provolone or cheddar along with mozzarella for a more complex flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze individual portions.