Name: Southern Baked Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 24 ounces Spaghetti Sauce (pre cooked); 1 16 oz box Spaghetti Noodles (precooked); 1 8 oz bag Shredded Mozzarella; 8 slices Thin Sliced Provolone Cheese

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Every time I think about comfort food, my mind immediately drifts to Southern Baked Spaghetti. Growing up in the South, this dish was a staple at family gatherings, where the aroma of bubbling cheese and rich sauce wafted through the air, beckoning everyone to the dinner table. I remember my grandma bustling around the kitchen, preparing her famous baked spaghetti, a recipe that had been passed down through generations. The blend of flavors and textures was always a hit, especially with the kids, who couldn’t wait to dig in. There’s something incredibly satisfying about layering the ingredients, knowing that each bite will be a delicious explosion of flavor. Whether it’s a rainy day or a festive occasion, Southern Baked Spaghetti has a special place in my heart and on my table.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
48 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
38 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
20 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan

Why This Southern Baked Spaghetti Is So Good

It’s Incredibly Satisfying

One of the main reasons I adore Southern Baked Spaghetti is its ability to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. The combination of spaghetti noodles, sauce, and layers of cheese creates a fulfilling meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for cold nights when you crave something cozy.

Perfect for Sharing

This dish is ideally suited for gatherings and potlucks. It’s easy to make a large batch of Southern Baked Spaghetti, making it a go-to recipe for feeding a crowd. Just one dish can serve several people, allowing you to enjoy precious moments with family and friends over a hearty meal.

Customizable and Versatile

Another standout feature is its versatility. You can add your favorite ingredients, such as vegetables or a blend of spices, to make it your own. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a more traditional flavor profile, Southern Baked Spaghetti adapts beautifully to different tastes.

Easy to Prepare

Preparation is straightforward, which is ideal for those busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The less time you spend cooking, the more time you can spend enjoying your dish with loved ones.

Great Leftovers

Leftovers are another perk of Southern Baked Spaghetti. The flavors only get better the next day, making it a perfect choice for meal prep. You can warm it up for lunch or dinner, and it’ll taste just as delicious as the day you made it.

Family Tradition

This recipe has been a part of my family traditions for years. It’s not only a meal; it’s a connection to my roots and the memories we’ve created around the table. Sharing food is about sharing love, and with Southern Baked Spaghetti, I feel that love in every bite.

Ingredients to Make Southern Baked Spaghetti

The ingredients in Southern Baked Spaghetti work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The star ingredients, spaghetti noodles, sauce, and cheese, are all essential for achieving that comforting, baked goodness. Using quality ingredients transforms this dish from simple to spectacular.

24 ounces Spaghetti Sauce – pre cooked: A rich and flavorful base that provides depth to the dish.
1 16 oz box Spaghetti Noodles – precooked: The foundation of the recipe, these soft noodles soak up the sauce beautifully.
1 8 oz bag Shredded Mozzarella: This cheese melts perfectly and adds that gooey texture we all love.
8 slices Thin Sliced Provolone Cheese: A delightful topping that brings extra creaminess and flavor.

Southern Baked Spaghetti Instructions

Cooking Southern Baked Spaghetti is a delightful experience that brings the family together. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist diving right in. Follow these steps for a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish will bake evenly and come out perfectly cooked.
Spray a suitable oven-safe baking dish with non-stick spray. This will help prevent the spaghetti from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Layer half of the precooked spaghetti noodles into the bottom of the baking dish. If you’re using the amounts stated in this recipe, a 9×13 inch pan works wonderfully.
Spoon half of the spaghetti sauce over the noodles, making sure to cover them evenly. This will infuse the noodles with flavor as they bake.
Add half of the shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce. This layer adds a creamy texture that melts beautifully.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese. This builds up the dish, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Top the final layer with the remaining shredded mozzarella and place the slices of provolone cheese on top. This will give your baked spaghetti a beautiful, cheesy crust.
Carefully place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for the cheese to be bubbly and browned on top.
Once it’s heated through, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Things Worth Knowing

Layering is Key: Proper layering of the ingredients ensures that every bite is filled with flavor.
Use Quality Cheese: Opt for good quality mozzarella and provolone for the best melting properties.
Adjust Baking Time: Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so watch for bubbling cheese.
Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the layers set.

Recipe Tips about Southern Baked Spaghetti

Here are some essential tips to ensure your Southern Baked Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time. With a few adjustments and insights, you’ll be a pro at this dish in no time!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze baked spaghetti for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Pairing: Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread also complements this dish wonderfully.
Personal Touch: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins to personalize the recipe.
Cooking Spray: Using a good non-stick spray is essential to avoid the dish sticking to the pan.

What to Serve With Southern Baked Spaghetti

When it comes to serving Southern Baked Spaghetti, the options are delightful and endless. Here are some excellent pairings and suggestions:

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that enhances the meal’s comfort factor.
Side Salad: A light, crisp salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the spaghetti.
Roasted Vegetables: These add color and nutrition to your plate, making your meal well-rounded.
Wine: A glass of sparkling water or a light red wine is great to complement the flavors.
Picnic Style: This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings and can easily be served at picnics or potlucks.
Seasonal Variations: Incorporate seasonal vegetables or herbs to give the dish a new twist throughout the year.

FAQ

Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti noodles are used in Southern Baked Spaghetti, you can substitute them with other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options. The key is to ensure that the pasta is cooked just until al dente before layering. This will help maintain the right texture during baking and ensure that it doesn’t get mushy.

Making Southern Baked Spaghetti vegetarian is simple! You can easily swap out the meat-based sauce for a vegetarian version. There are many delicious jarred sauces available that are packed with flavor. Additionally, you could consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavor and make the dish even more nutritious.

When serving Southern Baked Spaghetti, it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a light salad. You can also consider serving it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For special occasions, a nice glass of wine can complement the flavors beautifully. The key is to balance the richness of the spaghetti with lighter sides.

Yes! One of the great things about Southern Baked Spaghetti is that it can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge; it may need an extra few minutes of baking time.

Conclusion

Southern Baked Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace after a long day. With layers of melting cheese and rich sauce, it brings warmth and joy to any table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the blend of flavors and textures for yourself. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, making it a dish you’ll want to make time and time again.

Southern Baked Spaghetti

The ultimate comfort food, Southern Baked Spaghetti delivers cheesy goodness in every bite. Ready in under an hour, this easy weeknight dinner will become a family favorite. Perfect for gatherings, it’s a dish that brings everyone together!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 38

Total Time 48

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

24 ounces Spaghetti Sauce pre cooked
1 16 oz box Spaghetti Noodles precooked
1 8 oz bag Shredded Mozzarella
8 slices Thin Sliced Provolone Cheese

Equipment

Oven
Chef's Knife
Baking Sheet
Frying pan

Method

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish will bake evenly and come out perfectly cooked.
Spray a suitable oven-safe baking dish with non-stick spray. This will help prevent the spaghetti from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Layer half of the precooked spaghetti noodles into the bottom of the baking dish. If you’re using the amounts stated in this recipe, a 9x13 inch pan works wonderfully.
Spoon half of the spaghetti sauce over the noodles, making sure to cover them evenly. This will infuse the noodles with flavor as they bake.
Add half of the shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce. This layer adds a creamy texture that melts beautifully.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese. This builds up the dish, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Top the final layer with the remaining shredded mozzarella and place the slices of provolone cheese on top. This will give your baked spaghetti a beautiful, cheesy crust.
Carefully place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for the cheese to be bubbly and browned on top.
Once it’s heated through, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze baked spaghetti for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Pairing: Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread also complements this dish wonderfully.
Personal Touch: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins to personalize the recipe.
Cooking Spray: Using a good non-stick spray is essential to avoid the dish sticking to the pan.