Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together tender spaghetti, a rich cream sauce, and a blend of cheeses melted to perfection. You’ll find a lovely mix of smooth, creamy textures combined with the familiar, satisfying taste of baked pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I really love making this dish when I want something hearty but easy to prepare. The creamy sauce makes every bite feel special, and the cheesy top has that golden, bubbly goodness that everyone seems to go crazy over. I like to add a little extra black pepper and maybe some garlic powder to give it my own twist—simple but effective!
This bake is perfect for gathering friends or family around the table. I usually serve it with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. Leftovers are fantastic too, which makes it a great choice for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want something quick and tasty waiting for you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works great here. You can swap for gluten-free pasta if needed, just watch the cooking time so it doesn’t get mushy. I prefer al dente for a little bite!
Ground Meat: Ground sausage adds true Southern flavor, but ground beef is a good option too. For a lighter dish, try turkey or chicken sausage.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter version, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, though it changes the texture a bit.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella pair well for melting and flavor. You can also use Monterey Jack or Colby if you want a milder taste. Adding extra cheese on top makes the bake nice and bubbly!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These bring warmth and a slight kick. If you don’t have those, just use plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
How Do You Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth and Delicious?
The creamy sauce is the heart of this bake. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook the meat and onions until browned and fragrant. Drain excess grease to keep flavors balanced.
- Add tomatoes and spices, then simmer so the flavors meld. Give it at least 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat before adding the cream cheese so it melts slowly and doesn’t break.
- Stir gently until smooth, then add milk gradually to loosen the sauce to your desired creaminess.
Taking the time to melt the cream cheese slowly helps it blend well, giving you that silky texture that makes this bake so comforting.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling spaghetti evenly without sticking.
- Large skillet – great for browning meat and sautéing onions and garlic.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring and breaking up meat easy without scratching your pan.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough to bake the spaghetti and melt the cheese beautifully.
- Colander – to drain your pasta quickly and easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helpful for getting the spices and liquids just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist that still tastes great.
- Add chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies and freshness in every bite.
- Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning to boost the southern flavor even more.
- Mix in some cooked bacon or ham pieces for a smoky, meaty addition that’s super satisfying.
How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or ground sausage (Southern preference often includes sausage)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (for a southern-inspired kick)
- 1 (10 oz) canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Extras:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
- ¼ cup milk or half-and-half (for creaminess)
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for extra spice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook on the stove, plus 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven. Allow a few minutes to rest before serving, so plan for about 45-50 minutes total from start to finish. Super simple and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Boil Your Spaghetti:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just tender (al dente). Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook Your Meat and Veggies:
In a large skillet on medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Create Your Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the drained diced tomatoes. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want some extra heat. Let this simmer for 5 minutes so all flavors blend together nicely. Lower the heat, then add the softened cream cheese, stirring gently until melted and smooth. Slowly add the milk or half-and-half while stirring, until the sauce becomes creamy and well mixed.
4. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce, then Bake:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with your creamy meat sauce until noodles are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese melts and bubbles and starts to turn golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the bake out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes so the flavors settle and it cools a little. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. This dish goes wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, comforting Southern-style spaghetti bake!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess water from making the dish watery.
Can I Make This Spaghetti Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the bake up to the point of adding cheese on top, then cover 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?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess.
Can I Substitute Different Cheeses?
Definitely! Cheddar and mozzarella melt well, but you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little extra flavor. Just choose cheeses that melt smoothly to keep that creamy texture.
