Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting dish that combines the hearty flavors of pasta, creamy cheese, and savory meat, all baked to perfection. This recipe is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, as it comes together easily and delivers a satisfyingly cheesy experience that everyone will love.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 45g per serving
- Fat: 20g per serving
- Fiber: 2g per serving
- Sugar: 3g per serving
- Sodium: 700mg per serving
Why Make This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is not only delicious but also incredibly flexible. It’s the kind of meal that turns good days into great ones, making family dinners a breeze and ensuring everyone leaves the table happy. With a creamy sauce, melty cheese, and a perfect balance of flavors, it’s comfort food at its best. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, meaning more time to enjoy good company instead of fussing in the kitchen.
How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. This ensures your pasta is perfectly al dente.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Make sure to drain excess fat for a lighter dish. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Combine these until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Step 3: Combining
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy goodness. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your dish.
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Step 4: Finishing
Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish. Top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Serve this dish hot, right out of the oven, with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It also makes great leftovers, so feel free to dish it up for lunch the next day.
How to Store Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
To store leftovers, allow the spaghetti bake to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container, where it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
- Adjust the spices based on your taste. If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage.
- Mixing in some vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, can enhance the nutrition and flavor profile.
- Don’t skip the baking step; this allows the cheeses to meld beautifully and develop that gooey texture everyone loves.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a savory twist.
- Spicy Southern Style: Add jalapeños or hot sausage to bring some heat to the dish.
- Herbed Twist: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for an aromatic lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. -
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute any short pasta like penne or rotini, though spaghetti gives a nice texture. -
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds creaminess, but you can use sour cream or ricotta as an alternative. -
Is it freeze-friendly?
Yes! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and follow the storage tips. -
Can I add more cheese?
You can never have too much cheese! Feel free to sprinkle extra on top or mix in your favorites.
Conclusion
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a delightful dish that welcomes anyone to the table with its warm, cheesy goodness. Whether for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to please. With its straightforward steps and rich flavors, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. So gather your ingredients and give it a try; we promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting dish combining hearty pasta, creamy cheese, and savory meat, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Combine until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Great for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
