🍝 Southern Baked Spaghetti with Sausage & Ground Beef
A hearty, cheesy, saucy twist on classic spaghetti — baked to perfection and served with golden garlic bread.
📌 Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
1 lb spaghetti noodles
Salted water (for boiling)
For the Meat Sauce:
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage (sliced)
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
Cheesy Add-Ins:
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (for that Southern twist!)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
👨🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
Stir in marinara, tomato paste, seasoning, sugar, salt & pepper.
Simmer for 10–15 mins to thicken and develop flavor.
Step 3: Combine & Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked spaghetti with meat sauce and half the mozzarella and cheddar.
Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 4: Make That Garlic Bread
Spread butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley on sliced bread. Toast in a skillet or oven until golden and crisp.
💡 Pro Tip: Want extra flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the meat while browning 🔥