Name: Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern Comfort
Ingredients: 16 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 24 oz tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is everything you want in a comforting family dinner. It takes the heart of a Southern casserole and fuses it with the soul of spaghetti night. Layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and seasoned ground beef wrapped in tender noodles create a dish that feels like home from the very first bite.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, preparing a cozy Sunday meal, or looking to meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe fits right in. It’s a satisfying blend of creamy pasta and a touch of spice that makes it feel special without asking for hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

This recipe gives you that nostalgic baked pasta feel with the flair of Southern seasoning and comfort. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but flexible enough to pair with your favorite sides. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it a great leftover option.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Regular spaghetti noodles work just fine here, but if you have thin or whole wheat spaghetti, those are equally welcome. The key is cooking them just shy of al dente so they finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy. If you’re feeling bold, you can even swap in a different long pasta like bucatini or linguine.

Ingredients for the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple pantry staples that deliver big flavor. Each ingredient plays a part in making the bake rich, satisfying, and loaded with comforting textures.

Spaghetti
Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese

How To Make the Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Boil and Prep the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer

In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth. Fold this mixture into the drained spaghetti noodles.

Step 4: Combine the Saucy Layer

Stir the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer the creamy noodles, followed by the beef and tomato mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving and Storing This Spaghetti Bake

This recipe easily serves 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for large family dinners or potlucks. Serve it hot right out of the oven and enjoy the creamy texture with the crisped-up cheesy topping.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also portion and freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake?

Garlic Bread

Classic garlic bread is a no-brainer. The crisp crust and buttery flavor pair wonderfully with the creamy pasta.

Southern Green Beans

Slow-cooked green beans with a bit of bacon add a savory, tender bite alongside this bake.

Caesar Salad

A chilled, crisp Caesar salad with creamy dressing balances the richness of the spaghetti.

Fried Okra

Add some crunch with a Southern favorite: golden fried okra.

Sweet Cornbread

Sweet cornbread brings a little touch of sweetness to the table and complements the tomato flavor.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Double up on creamy comfort with a Southern-style mac and cheese side.

Roasted Vegetables

For a healthier balance, a mix of oven-roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers works perfectly.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake, you’ll want to explore these other crowd-pleasers:

Try our comforting Chicken Pot Pie Bake with Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Craving more pasta bakes? Cheesy Baked Ziti is always a hit.
For a Southwest twist, the Easy Baked Burrito Casserole is bold and satisfying.
Add a zesty kick with the Zesty Taco Pasta Salad
And for something creamy and unique, check out the Creamy Cajun Linguine

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cheese or spice it up with red pepper flakes? Did your family request seconds?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other make dinner time easy and delicious.

Explore beautifully curated Southern dinners and cozy bakes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next comfort food favorite!

Conclusion

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake isn’t just a recipe, it’s a warm hug in casserole form. It brings together everything that makes Southern home cooking special—comfort, flavor, and heart. Whether you’re cooking for the week or sharing with loved ones, this dish will become a go-to favorite for good reason.