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A close-up shot showcasing a delicious Southern Spaghetti Bake ready to be served.

Easy Southern Spaghetti Bake

This Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting casserole with layers of tender spaghetti, a rich meat sauce, and a blanket of melted cheese. It's an easy-to-make family favorite perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  3. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  4. Drain the spaghetti well and set aside.
  5. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  6. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  10. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1 cup for topping.
  11. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly.
  12. Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  13. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer.
  14. Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
  15. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  16. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  17. Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't overcook the spaghetti; al dente is key. For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Southern Spaghetti Bake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can add sauteed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce. Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the meat sauce for a richer sauce. You can make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding vegetables. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and reduced-fat cheese.