Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake. Packed with cheesy goodness and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish combines tender pasta with hearty ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavors, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite on your dinner table.
This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake is a dish that brings family and friends together around the dinner table, creating memories with every bite.
A Taste of Comfort
This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake offers a delightful blend of flavors that transport you straight to comfort food heaven. With each bite, the combination of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella creates a rich texture that makes this dish unforgettable. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table.
Perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings, this bake is designed to please everyone. The savory ground beef and zesty marinara sauce deepen the flavor, while the cheesy topping provides that satisfying, gooey finish we all crave. It is the quintessential dish for anyone wishing to bring a little extra warmth to their dining experience.
Family-Friendly Appeal
One of the best features of this spaghetti bake is its universal appeal. Kids and adults alike will find this dish irresistible, thanks to its cheesy topping and hearty ingredients. It's also a playful way to introduce extra veggies or proteins to your family’s diet. Just toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for an added nutritional boost without compromising taste.
This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also easily customizable. You can switch up the proteins, try different sauces, or experiment with various cheeses to suit your family's preferences. With its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, this dish is an ideal weeknight solution for busy families.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process.
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, crumble and cook the ground beef with minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix the Cheeses
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Bake
In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the meat sauce, then the cheese mixture. Top with the remaining spaghetti and finish with the rest of the mozzarella.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare given how delicious this spaghetti bake is), storing them properly ensures that you can enjoy the dish again. Simply let the bake cool, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to three days. This dish also freezes remarkably well for those busy weeknights when you need a fast meal.
To reheat, simply thaw if frozen and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. You may want to add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Perfect Pairings
Pair this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a delightful crunch and acidity that complements the creamy flavors beautifully. For an extra touch, consider adding some sliced olives or cherry tomatoes for color and flavor contrast.
A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, can elevate your dining experience, enhancing the dish's savory notes. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon offers a refreshing balance, perfect for cutting through the richness of the cheese.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake. Packed with cheesy goodness and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish combines tender pasta with hearty ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavors, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite on your dinner table.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, crumble and cook the ground beef with minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the meat sauce, then the cheese mixture. Top with the remaining spaghetti and finish with the rest of the mozzarella.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 70g