Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with tender spaghetti noodles, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of cheesy goodness baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal that brings a little Southern charm and homestyle flavor to your dinner table.
I love making this dish when I want something that’s easy but still feels special. The creamy sauce combines just the right amount of creaminess and seasoning, and the crispy edges that form when it’s baked are my favorite part. It’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water.
My favorite way to serve this is straight out of the oven with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance the richness. It’s also a great dish for busy weeknights because you can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. I’ve found that this creamy bake always disappears fast whenever I make it – everyone loves it as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti works great here, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne or rigatoni would also hold the sauce nicely.
Ground Meat: Ground beef or pork sausage adds flavor and richness. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarians can swap with plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils.
Cream & Sour Cream: These create the creamy texture and tang. Half-and-half is a lighter substitute for heavy cream. Greek yogurt can substitute for sour cream but may change the taste slightly.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella give a great melt and flavor balance. You can mix in Monterey Jack or use all cheddar if preferred. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheeses.
Spices & Herbs: Smoked paprika and oregano bring warmth and depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder works. Fresh parsley adds a nice color and freshness at the end.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce Without It Separating?
Combining cream and sour cream makes this sauce rich but delicate; heating it too much or too fast can cause it to split. Here’s how to keep it smooth:
- Mix cream and sour cream well before adding.
- Remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the cream mixture—residual warmth is enough to blend it in gently.
- Do not boil the sauce once cream is added; gentle simmering is key.
- Stir the sauce gently to evenly coat the pasta without breaking the cream.
Taking it slow at this step helps keep the sauce luscious and prevents any curdling, giving you that smooth, comforting texture that makes this bake special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil the spaghetti easily with plenty of water.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the meat and sautéing onions and garlic in one pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy for layering the spaghetti bake and letting it cook evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to blend the cream and sour cream smoothly before adding to the pasta.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Colander – to drain the cooked spaghetti quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the sausage or ground beef for cooked shredded chicken for a lighter, protein-rich twist.
- Add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in pepper jack cheese with cheddar for a mild spicy kick.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta and Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or pork sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
For The Creamy Sauce & Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare this recipe in about 15 minutes of hands-on time for boiling pasta and cooking the sauce, plus 25-30 minutes baking time. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Total time is roughly 45-50 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook Spaghetti and Prepare Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add tomato sauce, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Mix Cream Sauce and Combine:
In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream (or half-and-half) with the sour cream until smooth. Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce, gently mixing to combine everything evenly.
Pour the cream and sour cream mixture over the spaghetti and meat sauce, stirring carefully to coat the noodles well without breaking the cream sauce.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture over the cheese, and then top with the remaining cheeses.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
5. Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy Southern comfort!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef or sausage, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting, then cook as directed.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the spaghetti mixture and assemble the bake the day before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready, bake it for a few extra minutes until heated through and bubbly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed throughout.
Can I Substitute Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar or mozzarella for cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend you enjoy. Just use about the same amount to keep the texture creamy and melty.
