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For this delicious dish, you will need: - 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste - 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a warm, hearty meal. The blend of spices adds a lovely depth of flavor. To add even more flavor to your Southern Spaghetti Bake, consider these optional ingredients: - Sliced mushrooms for earthiness - Black olives for a salty punch - Crushed red pepper for extra heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary These extras can elevate your dish and make it even more special. If you need substitutions, here are some good options: - Ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter dish - Zucchini noodles in place of spaghetti for a low-carb option - Ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for a creamy texture - Canned diced tomatoes if you don’t have crushed tomatoes These swaps help you adapt the recipe to your taste or dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need 12 oz of spaghetti, 1 lb of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Also, get 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of tomato paste, and 1 cup of chopped bell peppers. Don't forget 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want heat. Lastly, you'll need salt, pepper, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside for later. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it is browned, then drain any excess fat. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion turns translucent. This step adds great flavor. Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped bell peppers, oregano, basil, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the beef mixture and the softened cream cheese. Mix everything until well combined. Transfer this spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti mix. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake it in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that bubbly, golden cheese on top. Once it is done, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a nice touch. To make this dish ahead, follow these easy steps. Cook the spaghetti and beef as usual. Mix them with the sauce and cream cheese. Place the mixture in a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. You can bake it later, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time. To keep your spaghetti bake moist, use enough sauce. The cream cheese adds a great creaminess. If you find the dish dry, add a splash of water or broth before baking. Covering the dish with foil at first also helps trap moisture. This way, your bake stays tender and full of flavor. Watch out for these common mistakes. First, don’t overcook the spaghetti. It should be al dente before mixing. Second, avoid skipping the cream cheese. It adds richness to the dish. Lastly, be sure to season your beef and sauce well. A pinch of salt and pepper makes a big difference in taste. Pro Tips Cook Spaghetti Al Dente: Ensure the spaghetti is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Mix in Cream Cheese Thoroughly: For a creamy texture, make sure to mix the cream cheese well with the spaghetti and beef mixture. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Golden Cheese Topping: For an extra crispy top, broil for a few minutes after baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef with plant-based ground meat. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. Add more bell peppers and some spinach for extra veggies. Use the same spices to keep the flavor strong. The cream cheese can remain, as it adds creaminess. This version stays just as tasty. If you like heat, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. You can also mix in crushed red pepper flakes. These spices enhance the dish and give it a kick. Consider using spicy sausage instead of ground beef. This will give your bake a bold southern flair. For a low-carb twist, use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Both are great substitutes and lower in carbs. You can still use the same sauce and cheese mix. Make sure to follow the same cooking steps. This way, you enjoy all the flavors without the extra carbs. After you enjoy your Southern spaghetti bake, let it cool down first. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the bake fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want, you can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Just make sure it is sealed well to avoid drying out. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy access. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab just what you need later. Southern spaghetti bake can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bags with the date. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is simple. If you stored individual portions, place them in the microwave. Heat them for about two to three minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. If you're reheating the whole dish, cover it with foil and place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese from burning. Always check that it is hot throughout before serving. Enjoy your meal! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Both options are leaner. If you prefer a plant-based choice, try lentils or chickpeas. They add great texture and flavor. A mix of mushrooms and walnuts also works well for a hearty bite. Just remember to adjust cooking times if using different proteins. To make your spaghetti bake creamier, add more cream cheese. Mix it in with the spaghetti and sauce. You can also add a little sour cream or ricotta cheese. These ingredients will boost the creaminess. For an extra touch, swirl in some heavy cream before baking. This gives a rich taste that's hard to resist. Yes, whole wheat pasta works great in this recipe. It adds a nutty flavor and is healthier. For gluten-free options, use rice or corn pasta. Both will cook similarly to regular pasta. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times. Your bake will still be tasty and satisfying! Southern spaghetti bake lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw and reheat when you're ready to enjoy! In this article, we explored the delicious Southern Spaghetti Bake. We reviewed key ingredients, and cooking steps, and shared helpful tips. I provided variations for different tastes and dietary needs. Storing leftovers and reheating tips were also covered. Now, you can confidently make a tasty dish that suits your style. Each step ensures your spaghetti bake will be filling and tasty. Enjoy your cooking journey with this comforting meal!

Southern Spaghetti Bake

A hearty and comforting baked spaghetti dish with ground beef, cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, oregano, basil, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the beef mixture and cream cheese until evenly mixed.
  • Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve straight from the dish, or for an elevated presentation, scoop individual servings onto plates and garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.
Keyword bake, beef, cheesy, comfort food, spaghetti