This Southern baked spaghetti casserole is unlike traditional Italian versions because there is no Mozzarella.

Instead, layers of Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and pepperoni are added.

pan of spaghetti casserole in the background with a plate of baked spaghetti on a table

The trio combination along with a HOMEMADE meat sauce creates an incredibly wicked good, cheesy pasta dish.

Once you have tried my Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe once, it will be a favorite choice to make again and again!

Watch how to make

It will be the best Baked Spaghetti you will ever make!

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients to make this homemade baked spaghetti:

canned diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
ground beef- You can substitute with ground chicken or ground turkey.
Monterrey Jack cheese-freshly grated
garlic
salt
pepperoni- You can substitute with turkey pepperoni.
spaghetti- You can substitute with angle hair pasta. My husband prefers the angle hair pasta, and I prefer the traditional spaghetti noodles.
pepper
bell pepper
brown sugar
onion-You can substitute with onion powder.
cheddar cheese-freshly grated
basil-fresh or dried
celery salt- or celery seasoning
Italian seasoning
oregano-fresh or dried

Note-Full recipe with complete ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Steps to make baked spaghetti casserole

Follow easy steps on how to make baked spaghetti casserole:

In a large stock pot, cook tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper, garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, oregano, celery salt, salt, pepper, and brown sugar at medium heat and bring to a boil.
Cover, then reduce heat and simmer for one hour.
Crumble and cook ground beef.
Add ground beef and water to stock pot and cook an additional 30 minutes.
Cook pasta noodles according to directions.
In large 13x9 in pan lightly cover pan with meat sauce. About a 1 cup.
Add ½ pasta noodles. Layer half of meat sauce. Layer remaining meat sauce.
Layer Monterey Jack cheese.
Layer remaining pasta noodles. Layer remaining meat sauce.
Layer Cheddar Cheese.
Finish with a layer of Pepperoni, because why not? Pepperoni really makes this dish WICKED GOOD!
Bake 30 minutes until cheese is completely melted and pepperoni is crispy.

Spatula lifting a square of Southern baked spaghetti out of a baking dish.

They say, "It's all about the sauce." I say, "It is all about the sauce and the cheese!" I

I have been making Baked Spaghetti Casserole for years, each time playing with the recipe until it has become absolutely PERFECT!

Just cut out a chunk and put it on a plate. I like to serve it with a warm loaf of homemade garlic bread and homemade Southern sweet tea.

I also make a nice Italian salad to go with it. My homemade Copy Cat Olive Garden Salad dressing can be whipped up in less than five minutes.

It is the perfect salad dressing to go with this dish. End it with my easy Southern banana pudding or Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake and you will have one killer homemade meal!!

Your family and friends will swear it is the BEST MEAL EVER!!

a serving of Southern Baked Spaghetti on a plate

Can you freeze freeze spaghetti?

You can easily freeze spaghetti.

The best way to freeze this spaghetti casserole recipe is to follow the instructions until it is time to bake in the oven. From there, cover it tightly with saran wrap and then a layer of tinfoil.

This will protect it better from freezer burn. Thaw it out completely, then bake according to directions.

If you have already baked it, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer container, thaw, and reheat it when you are ready to eat.

*Cooking Tip: Whenever possible, use freshly grated cheese. It has more flavor and I swear it melts better.

*Cooking Tip: My baked spaghetti recipe, adds layers of homemade sauce to the bottom of the 13x9 baking pan. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Don't cut corners and buy premade jar sauce. It isn't the same and it won't be as good. I promise it is worth the effort to make your own sauce.

This is home cooking at its best. You are going to love this recipe. And when you do, please share it with your friends.

After all "cooking good food is love made visible." So share the love.

If you like this recipe, check out:

A pan of baked spaghetti casserole with a metal spatula propped out of the side

Please leave me a comment below if you make this baked spaghetti and tell me what you thought about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.

Also post your picture of your spaghetti casserole on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!

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