Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: this Southern Spaghetti Bake. It’s a deliciously hearty casserole that combines perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a luxuriously creamy cheese layer. This isn’t just any baked spaghetti; it’s a Southern-style masterpiece that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles. Perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why This Southern Spaghetti Bake is the Best
What sets this Southern Spaghetti Bake apart is its incredibly creamy texture and rich flavor. Unlike some baked pasta dishes that can turn out dry, this recipe features a secret weapon: a luscious layer of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. This trio creates a tangy, moist filling that perfectly complements the robust meat sauce. It’s the kind of satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
We’ve also made sure the instructions are simple and straightforward, making it an easy recipe for even beginner cooks. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, saving you precious time on busy weeknights.
Ingredients for the Perfect Southern Spaghetti Bake
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a symphony of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meat Sauce
- Ground Beef: We use lean ground beef for a rich, meaty flavor without excess grease.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the essential flavor base of our sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: A quality store-bought marinara sauce saves time. For a homemade touch, you can try this Italian spaghetti sauce recipe.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds texture and depth.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of dried herbs that brings it all together.
For the Pasta and Cheese Layers
- Spaghetti: The star of the show! Cook it just until al dente.
- Cream Cheese: The key to our signature creamy filling. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess.
- Cottage Cheese: Provides moisture and a subtle cheesy flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the cheese layer.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a sharp, nutty flavor in the filling.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible, gooey, golden-brown topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Southern Spaghetti Bake
This casserole comes together in a few simple stages: preparing the components, assembling the layers, and baking to perfection. Follow these steps for a flawless result.
1. Prepare the Pasta and Meat Sauce
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, start your meat sauce. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Finally, add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, beaten egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will form the luscious middle layer of your Southern Spaghetti Bake.
3. Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Now for the fun part! Spread half of the cooked spaghetti into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top it with the entire cream cheese mixture, spreading it into an even layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer. Pour the hearty meat sauce over everything, ensuring it covers the spaghetti completely. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bake Every Time
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it much easier to mix into a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Let it Rest: After taking the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set up, making it much easier to serve clean portions.
Fun Variations to Try
While this classic Southern Spaghetti Bake is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:
- Different Meats: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a meatless crumble. For a similar comforting dish with a different twist, check out this classic baked spaghetti casserole (coming soon).
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick of heat.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
What to Serve with Your Spaghetti Bake
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, some steamed green beans, or a side of warm garlic knots are all excellent choices to round out your dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This Southern Spaghetti Bake is just as delicious the next day!
- To Store: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the entire casserole before or after baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully. You can freeze it baked or unbaked. Tightly wrap the casserole dish in both plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
The key is the creamy cheese filling in this recipe, which adds a significant amount of moisture. Also, ensure you have enough sauce to generously cover the pasta. Letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking also helps the moisture settle back into the dish.
The ‘Southern’ touch comes from the ultra-creamy cheese layer, typically made with cream cheese, sour cream, and sometimes cottage cheese. This creates a richer, tangier filling than what’s found in a standard baked spaghetti.
While they share similar flavors, the main difference is the pasta. Baked spaghetti uses spaghetti noodles, which are typically mixed with the sauce and cheese layers, whereas lasagna uses wide, flat lasagna noodles to create distinct, separate layers.
The Ultimate Southern Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Southern Spaghetti Bake: The Ultimate Creamy Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
- To assemble, spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Top with the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Layer the remaining spaghetti on top.
- Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring it's fully covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't be afraid to season your meat sauce well. A well-seasoned sauce is key to a flavorful bake.
Tip 3: You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Share Your Creation!
We know this Southern Spaghetti Bake will be a huge hit with your family and friends. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion that calls for a little comfort and a lot of flavor. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your masterpiece on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see it!
