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Southern Baked Spaghetti

Southern Baked Spaghetti
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Southern Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining al dente spaghetti, savory ground meat, marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, this classic Southern recipe is simple, flavorful, and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Dairy

  • 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti noodles in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly to prevent sogginess during baking.
  2. Cook the Meat and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Combine Sauce and Meat: Pour in marinara or spaghetti sauce, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
  4. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the warm meat sauce, tossing until every strand is coated to ensure a flavorful baked dish.
  5. Assemble and Layer Cheese: Transfer half the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle half the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the top, then repeat with the remaining spaghetti and cheese to create a luscious layered effect.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Notes

  • Al dente pasta: Slightly undercook noodles to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Drain grease: Removing excess fat from the meat keeps the dish from becoming greasy.
  • Cheese layering: Layering cheese between spaghetti and sauce ensures every bite is rich and melty.
  • Rest before serving: Let the baked spaghetti cool a few minutes to set and slice easily.
  • Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded cheese.

Nutrition

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

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