Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
A comforting Southern-style spaghetti casserole baked with rich meat sauce, cream cheese, and melted cheddar for the ultimate cozy dinner.
- Author: ssam
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with butter.
- 3. In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- 4. Pour in marinara sauce, stir, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- 6. Layer half of the spaghetti in the baking dish, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly.
- 7. Top with half of the meat sauce, then repeat layers with remaining spaghetti and sauce.
- 8. Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- 9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- 10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can prepare this ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Try mixing half beef and half Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
- Freezes beautifully just thaw overnight before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake, spaghetti casserole, baked pasta, Southern comfort food