Easy Southern Baked Spaghetti

Step 1

Cook pasta in a large saucepan until al dente according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil on medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot.

Step 4

Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until onion is translucent and veggies begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about another minute.

Step 5

Add ground meat, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until almost cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Season meat mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine everything.

Step 6

Add pasta sauce and diced tomatoes and give everything another good stir. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Add cooked spaghetti and stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 7

Carefully transfer spaghetti to your prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheeses. Bake spaghetti for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve spaghetti immediately with cornbread or garlic bread if desired. Enjoy!