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    Home » Recipes » Entree

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole-Southern Recipe

    September 15, 2022 Updated: September 16, 2022 By Katie Crenshaw 28 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    This Southern baked spaghetti recipe is unlike traditional Italian versions because there is no Mozzarella. Instead, layers of Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and pepperoni are added in. The trio combination along with a HOMEMADE meat sauce creates an incredibly wicked good, cheesy spaghetti dish. Once you have tried my Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe once, it will be a favorite choice to make again and again! #bakedspaghetti #spaghetticasserole #spaghetti
    This will be the best #BakedSpaghetti Recipe you will ever make. Why Southern? There is no Mozzarella like the traditional Italian versions. Instead, I add in layers of Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, and Pepperoni.
    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. The trio combination along with a HOMEMADE meat sauce creates an incredibly wicked good, cheesy pasta dish.
    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. The trio combination along with a HOMEMADE meat sauce creates an incredibly wicked good, cheesy pasta dish.
    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. The trio combination along with a HOMEMADE meat sauce creates an incredibly wicked good, cheesy pasta dish.
    This will be the best Baked Spaghetti Recipe you will ever make. Why Southern? There is no Mozzarella like the traditional Italian versions. Instead, I add in layers of Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, and Pepperoni. The trio combination along with my HOMEMADE meat sauce creates an incredibly wicked good, cheesy spaghetti dish. Once you have tried my Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe once, it will be a favorite choice to make again and again!

    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!

    baked spaghetti casserole ingredients-tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ground beef, spaghetti, garlic, pepperoni, salt, oregano, celery salt, pepper, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, onion, bell pepper, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese

    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.

    teps to make baked spaghetti casserole

    Steps to make baked spaghetti casserole

    Follow easy steps on how to make baked spaghetti casserole:

    1. 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.
    2. Cover, then reduce heat and simmer for one hour.
    3. Crumble and cook ground beef.
    4. Add ground beef and water to stock pot and cook an additional 30 minutes.
    5. Cook pasta noodles according to directions.
    6. In large 13x9 in pan lightly cover pan with meat sauce. About a 1 cup.
    7. Add ½ pasta noodles. Layer half of meat sauce. Layer remaining meat sauce.
    8. Layer Monterey Jack cheese. 
    9. Layer remaining pasta noodles. Layer remaining meat sauce.
    10. Layer Cheddar Cheese. 
    11. Finish with a layer of Pepperoni, because why not? Pepperoni really makes this dish WICKED GOOD!
    12. 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:

    • Stuffed Italian Sausages
    • Easy Chicken and Pastry
    • Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
    • Southern Cornbread Dressing
    • Santillana’s Homemade Meatballs with Marinara
    • Crock-Pot Pepperoncini Roast
    • Shrimp Pasta Salad
    • Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
    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!

    baked spaghetti on a plate with a fork to the side

    Southern Baked Spaghetti Recipe- Spaghetti Casserole

    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. The trio combination along with a HOMEMADE meat sauce creates an incredibly wicked good, cheesy pasta dish.
    4.97 from 28 votes
    Print Pin Save Recipe Saved! Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 686kcal
    Author: Katie Crenshaw

    Ingredients

    • 28 ounces can diced tomatoes
    • 28 ounces can tomato sauce
    • 1 small onion chopped
    • 1 bell pepper chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves crushed
    • ½ teaspoon basil
    • ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon celery salt
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
    • ½ cup water
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
    • 8 ounces Monterey jack cheese, shredded
    • 8 ounces sliced pepperoni
    • 12 ounces box of spaghetti or angel hair pasta

    Instructions

    • 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.
      28 ounces can diced tomatoes, 28 ounces can tomato sauce, 1 small onion, 1 bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon basil, ½ teaspoon italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon celery salt, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon brown sugar
    • Cover, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 ninutes
    • Crumble and cook ground beef.
      2 pounds ground beef
    • Add ground beef and water to stock pot and cook an additional 30 minutes.
    • Cook spaghetti noodles according to directions.
      12 ounces box of spaghetti or angel hair pasta
    • In large 13x9 in pan lightly cover pan with meat sauce. About a ½ cup.
    • Add ½ pasta noodles. Layer half of meat sauce.
    • Layer Monterey Jack cheese. 
      8 ounces Monterey jack cheese,
    • Layer remaining pasta noodles. Layer remaining meat sauce. Layer Cheddar Cheese. Cover cheese with pepperoni slices.
    • Layer Cheddar Cheese. 
      8 ounces cheddar cheese
    • Cover cheese with pepperoni slices.
      8 ounces sliced pepperoni
    • Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly and pepperoni is crispy.

    Video

    Notes

    *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.

    Nutrition- Nutrition info is based on estimation only.

    Calories: 686kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 1488mg | Potassium: 873mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 880IU | Vitamin C: 23.7mg | Calcium: 402mg | Iron: 4.6mg
    Tried this recipe? I want to see it!Mention @aForksTale or tag #aForksTale!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes

      July 21, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Haha.. This is totally southern not Italian- the pepperoni is brilliant. People down here love it- have you had the pepperoni rolls you can get at gas stations everywhere in the south? They sell like hot cakes. And I'm in total agreement about not using pre-shredded cheese when possible- it doesn't melt as well because they coat it with stuff to keep it from sticking together!

    2. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food

      July 25, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      This looks like a big plate of deliciousness!! WOW! I'd pick spaghetti too over angel hair pasta too. Great choice with the cheeses and that sauce sounds amaze balls! I've never made baked spaghetti before, but I'm going to have to give it a go with this one. That pepperoni is just the icing on the cake. Love that stuff (maybe a little too much, lol). Pinned, of course.

    3. April R.

      February 04, 2017 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it is sooo good. It has now become my favorite baked spaghetti!!

    4. Chelsea Plummer

      April 02, 2020 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      Ooh, this looks so good! I've never done a pasta bake with angel hair or with these cheeses. Such a cool idea. I'll need to try. Thanks for posting this recipe!

    5. veenaazmanov

      July 30, 2021 at 2:53 am

      5 stars
      Cheesy, Meaty and delicious. Love your recipe, Love your presentation. Happy Meal for sure.

    6. Allyssa

      July 30, 2021 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      It tasted fantastic! Super easy to make as well! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Highly recommended!

    7. Natalia

      July 30, 2021 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      I can’t get enough pasta recipes, and this one looks perfect! Love that the spaghettis are also baked. Definitely going to give this a go this weekend, thank you so much for the recipe!

    8. Liz

      July 30, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Love the idea of using various types of cheese, and adding pepperonis!

    9. Linda

      July 30, 2021 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      Been making this recipe a few times and still enjoying the homemade meat sauce. So easy, flavorful, and it freezes well, too!

    10. Carmy

      July 31, 2021 at 12:58 am

      5 stars
      I've never tried baking my spaghetti before so this was such a fun change in pace. Absolutely delicious!

    11. Nicoletta and Loreto Nardelli

      August 01, 2021 at 12:59 am

      5 stars
      We have never baked spaghetti before, so this will be a different take for us. Loving all the Southern flavors!

    12. Brianna

      August 01, 2021 at 3:07 am

      5 stars
      This spaghetti is over the top good! The cheese, the sauce and the pepperoni make this a new family favorite.

    13. Amanda Dixon

      August 01, 2021 at 5:27 am

      5 stars
      This is my kind of comfort food! It came out perfectly cheesy for this cheese lover, and it's really easy to whip up.

    14. Marisa

      August 01, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      I've eaten spaghetti many times but I've never before made it the Southern way. I did the other day and the family loved it. What a nice switch. This will be a regular recipe in the roster.

    15. veenaazmanov

      September 22, 2022 at 5:24 am

      5 stars
      Love your recipe and love the combination. This is definitely a meat feast treat. My family to love it.

    16. Heidy

      September 22, 2022 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      Good morning! I am almost embarrassed to say I have never had Southern baked spaghetti casserole, but I made this recipe the other day, and it was delicious. I loved the cheesy flavor with pepperoni!

    17. Jamie

      September 22, 2022 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This spaghetti recipe looks incredibly delicious. And baking will make another great way to make this dish enticing and appealing! Loved it!

    18. Nancy

      September 22, 2022 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      Easy, inexpensive and comfort food perfect for the coming cooler days. This would be perfect for a family gathering or potluck.

    19. Amanda Mason

      September 23, 2022 at 9:35 pm

      5 stars
      Printing this out right now! My kids are on fall break so I'm trying to figure out lunches for the week while they are home. This is the perfect recipe! So glad I found it! I'll let you know how they like it!

    20. Natalie

      September 24, 2022 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      Your Southern baked spaghetti casserole recipe is a fantastic family dinner meal. We enjoyed it, thanks!

    21. Dennis

      September 24, 2022 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      Nothing beats a good spaghetti casserole! it had been years since I had one and your recipe was every bit as good if not better than ones I remember from my time in the south

    22. Lauren Michael Harris

      September 25, 2022 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      Someone made us a spaghetti casserole when we had our son and it was so good that I wanted to look for a similar recipe. This is it! Loved the flavor - will make again!!

    23. Laura Arteaga

      September 25, 2022 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe for the whole family. The step-by-step pictures helped us to follow the recipe easily. Thank you!

    24. Ann

      September 25, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love a delicious baked spaghetti recipe! They are great to make extras, and freeze. I plan on making your recipe tonight for dinner!

    25. Adriana

      September 25, 2022 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      What a lovely idea for feeding a crowd. Now that the holidays are to start having recipes like this is so helpful. Cannot wait to make it!

    26. Moop Brown

      September 26, 2022 at 4:08 am

      5 stars
      Never would've thought to make spaghetti into a casserole so I'm definitely gonna have to try this recipe. I like that it can be frozen for later too.

    27. Lisa

      September 26, 2022 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmmmnnn, so good! I love how the pepperoni gets slightly crispy on top.

    28. Journa Liz Ramirez

      September 28, 2022 at 4:50 am

      5 stars
      Never thought that it could be this good without mozzarella. I added this to my Holiday go-to recipe. My whole family loved it!

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    Katie Crenshaw-A Fork's Tale

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