Description
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake with cheese, bacon, and a touch of comfort – delicious, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides the best flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Take this time to dice your onions and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices and dairy ingredients. Having everything ready will make assembly smooth and efficient.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions, until just al dente. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking while you prepare the other components.
- Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. When it’s about halfway done, add the diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Step 4: Create the Creamy Base In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture over the warm spaghetti and toss gently until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Transfer half of the creamy spaghetti mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer half of the meat sauce on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and remaining cheddar. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and developing golden brown spots. Let the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set up properly. Garnish with fresh parsley before bringing it to the table.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 560 calories
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 110 mg