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Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake for Cozy Family Dinners

This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is the perfect crowd-pleaser for dinner, featuring comforting flavors and a rich, creamy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Spaghetti use whole wheat for a healthier version
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey/sausage
  • 1 medium Onion yellow or white onion works best
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh minced garlic preferred
  • 2 cups Tomato Sauce or crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor
  • 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese sharp cheddar enhances flavor

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook spaghetti by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and add Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, until bubbling gently.
  4. In a bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with softened cream cheese and sour cream until well-coated.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the creamy spaghetti mixture, half of the meat sauce, and a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Soften cream cheese for easier blending. Don't rush the browning of meat for enhanced flavor. Allow the bake to rest before serving.

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