Southern Comfort Baked Spaghetti
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Southern Comfort Baked Spaghetti, a beloved recipe inspired by Paula Deen. This savory dish layers tender angel hair pasta, savory ground chuck, and a medley of rich tomatoes, all nestled under a blanket of ooey-gooey melted cheese. Renowned for its delightful flavors, this baked spaghetti promises to be the star of your next family gathering or potluck. Each bite offers a taste of home with hints of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground chuck
1 1/2 lbs (browned)
green bell pepper
1 (diced)
onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
water
1/2 cup
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons
house seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons
bay leaves
2 small
angel hair pasta
8 ounces (cooked)
cheddar cheese
8 ounces (grated)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (grated)
salt
1 cup (for the house seasoning)
ground black pepper
1/4 cup (for the house seasoning)
garlic powder
1/4 cup (for the house seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground chuck with the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic, stirring until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease.
3
In a Dutch oven, combine the drained meat mixture with crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, house seasoning, salt, sugar, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
4
In the meantime, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
5
In the greased baking dish, spread one-third of the sauce mixture over the bottom. Layer half of the cooked pasta on top, followed by one-third of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat this layering process, finishing with a final layer of sauce. Reserve the remaining cheese for later.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Baked Spaghetti?
Southern Comfort Baked Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish inspired by Paula Deen that features layers of angel hair pasta, ground chuck, and rich tomatoes.
Who is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of Paula Deen.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for angel hair pasta cooked to al dente.
What meat is used in Southern Comfort Baked Spaghetti?
The recipe uses 1.5 pounds of ground chuck.
At what temperature should I bake the spaghetti?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic.
What types of canned tomatoes are needed?
You will need 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 15 ounces of diced tomatoes, and 15 ounces of tomato sauce.
What is in the house seasoning mentioned in the recipe?
The house seasoning is a blend of 1 cup salt, 1/4 cup ground black pepper, and 1/4 cup garlic powder.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 30 minutes before being layered with the pasta.
What cheeses are used for the topping and layers?
A combination of 8 ounces of grated cheddar cheese and 8 ounces of grated mozzarella cheese is used.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess grease after browning the ground chuck with the peppers, onions, and garlic.
What size baking dish is required?
The recipe calls for a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
How many bay leaves should I use?
The recipe uses 2 small bay leaves, which should be removed before assembly.
Why do I need to remove the bay leaves?
Bay leaves are used to infuse flavor during simmering but are tough and not meant to be eaten.
How do I layer the baked spaghetti?
Layer one-third of the sauce, half the pasta, and one-third of the cheeses; repeat the process and finish with a layer of sauce.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
The dish should be covered with aluminum foil and baked for 45 minutes.
When do I add the final layer of cheese?
Remove the foil after 45 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.
How long should the spaghetti rest after baking?
It should rest for 10 minutes before being cut into squares for serving.
Is there sugar in the sauce?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What herbs provide the Italian flavor?
The flavor comes from 1.5 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of water in the sauce mixture.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While cheddar and mozzarella are recommended, you can experiment with other melting cheeses if desired.
Is the green bell pepper mandatory?
The green bell pepper provides a classic savory base, but it can be omitted if you have a preference against it.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta in advance, then layer and bake when ready.
What makes this 'Southern Comfort' food?
The combination of hearty meat, rich tomato sauce, and a heavy layer of melted cheese makes it a classic comfort food staple.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
While not explicitly stated, a 13x9 inch pan typically serves 8 to 12 people.
Is the pasta cooked fully before baking?
It should be cooked al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly while baking in the sauce.
Can I substitute ground chuck for another meat?
You can use ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage, though ground chuck provides a traditional rich flavor.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped.
How is the dish served?
It is traditionally cut into squares and served warm after resting.