Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting casserole that brings together tender spaghetti, a rich creamy sauce, and a golden cheesy topping. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, with its smooth textures and familiar, homestyle flavors that just make you want to go back for seconds.
I love making this bake when I want something hearty but easy to put together. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, and the baked cheese on top adds that perfect touch of gooey goodness and slight crispiness. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of fuss, which I always appreciate on busy nights.
The best way I like to serve this is straight from the oven, still bubbling and warm, paired with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. It’s great for sharing with family because everyone always enjoys it—comfort food that never goes out of style. Plus, leftovers heat up beautifully, making it a winner for easy lunches the next day too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works best, but you can swap for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred. Just watch cooking time so it stays firm.
Ground Meat: I like using ground beef for flavor, but ground turkey or chicken are good leaner choices. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These give the bake its creamy richness. If you need dairy-free options, try vegan cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella offer great melty texture and taste. Feel free to try Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note; if you don’t have it, use regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
How Can I Get a Creamy Sauce That Clings to Every Noodle?
Making the sauce creamy and well-coated on the spaghetti is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Cook pasta just to al dente so it’s firm and holds up in the bake.
- After browning meat and mixing in tomatoes and sauce, let it simmer briefly to blend flavors.
- Mix softened cream cheese and sour cream separately until smooth—this prevents lumps.
- Combine the creamy mixture and cheese into the meat sauce off the heat, folding gently.
- Then toss the cooked spaghetti in this sauce until every strand is coated evenly before baking.
This process keeps the sauce thick and creamy, so each bite is rich and comforting, not dry or watery.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the spaghetti evenly without clumping.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the meat and sautéing onions and garlic.
- Mixing bowl – to blend cream cheese and sour cream smoothly before adding.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough to hold the pasta bake and bake it evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps stir and fold ingredients without breaking pasta.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful bake.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in cooked spinach or kale to boost nutrition without changing taste much.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a mild kick of spice.
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
Veggies & Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
Creamy Components & Cheese:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Seasonings & Garnish:
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, so plan for roughly 40 minutes total from start to finish. The baking melts the cheese nicely and lets the flavors come together perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the pasta bake won’t stick.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente (firm to bite). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink; drain any excess fat.
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Mix the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in this creamy mixture, shredded sharp cheddar, and half the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to combine.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss carefully until the noodles are fully coated with the creamy meat sauce.
6. Bake:
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Serve:
Let the bake cool for about 5 minutes before you serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish. Enjoy this warm, creamy southern classic with your favorite side salad or steamed veggies!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and reduces cooking time.
Can I Make the Spaghetti Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the bake seems dry.
Can I Substitute Different Cheeses?
Definitely! Cheddar and mozzarella provide a great creamy melt, but you can swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just use similar amounts for best texture.
