Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a delightful comfort food that brings rich flavors and creamy textures together in every bite. This inviting dish features layers of tender spaghetti, seasoned ground meat, and a luscious cream cheese mixture, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe promises to have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with salt and pepper until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with half of the cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Combine the cooked meat with marinara sauce, then gently mix in the drained spaghetti until well-coated.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - Swap ground beef for turkey or add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the microwave or oven.