Easy Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake 

This Easy Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is cozy, rich, and full of flavor! The dish has tender spaghetti coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hearty meat layer that makes every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something filling and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

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This creamy baked spaghetti comes together easily, feels indulgent, and tastes like pure comfort straight from the oven!

For this recipe, I used ground beef for that classic Southern flavor, mixed with a smooth cream cheese sauce that melts beautifully into the pasta.

The combination of creamy layers, hearty sauce, and melted cheese makes this spaghetti bake a family favorite every single time.

This dish is incredibly easy to make and can be on your dinner table in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something about a baked pasta dish that always feels like home, and this one hits all the right notes.

Creamy and hearty: Every bite blends smooth cream cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly baked pasta.

Easy to prepare: You only need basic ingredients and one baking dish.

Family favorite: It’s comforting, cheesy, and filling, everyone goes back for seconds.

Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it early, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready.

Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples without sacrificing flavor.

Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 pound ground beef or sausage (or a mix)
  
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  

For the Creamy Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  
• ½ cup sour cream
  
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
  
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• Fresh parsley for garnish
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain well, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until softened and fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend all the flavors.

3. Mix the Creamy Layer

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture will melt into the pasta as it bakes, creating that signature Southern-style richness.

4. Combine and Layer

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the spaghetti. Spoon half the meat sauce over it, then spread the creamy mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining spaghetti, top with the rest of the sauce, and finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.

5. Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Lighter version: Use ground turkey or chicken and low-fat cream cheese.
  
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for heat.
  
• Extra cheesy: Mix cheddar or provolone into the mozzarella topping.
  
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge with a few extra minutes of cooking time.
  
• Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze before baking. When ready to serve, thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Spaghetti Bake pairs beautifully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For something heartier, serve it alongside fried chicken or a side of creamy coleslaw. When hosting, I like to make a big bowl of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, it balances the richness perfectly.

If you’re making this for a family dinner, try adding a pitcher of sweet tea or lemonade for that true Southern touch. It turns a regular meal into something special without needing much effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or ziti all work great. Just cook until al dente before layering.

Can I skip the cream cheese?

You can, but it won’t have that same creamy texture. Substitute with ricotta or cottage cheese if preferred.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Can I freeze it after baking?

Definitely. Cool it fully, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What protein works best?

Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both gives great flavor, but shredded chicken works too.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the meat and use sautéed vegetables or plant-based crumbles instead.

Final Thoughts

Easy Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake has that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty, everything comfort food should be. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and fills the air with warmth.

What makes it truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or Sunday supper, this baked spaghetti always tastes like home. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, it’s that good.