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To make Southern Spaghetti Bake, you need these key ingredients: - 12 ounces spaghetti - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can easily swap ingredients based on your taste or what you have. For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef. If you prefer a different cheese, try mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. You can also add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition. Swap cayenne for a milder pepper if you like less heat. Choose fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Look for firm bell peppers and onions that feel heavy. When picking ground meat, select a fresh option without excess fat. For canned goods, check expiration dates. Select high-quality diced tomatoes and sauces for richer taste. Always go for full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a creamy texture. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch, so grab some if you can. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. While the oven warms up, cook 12 ounces of spaghetti. Follow the package instructions for the best result. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. You want it to be al dente, firm but tender. Next, we need to make the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these ingredients until they become soft, about 5 minutes. This mixture gives the sauce a great base. Now, add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook it until it turns brown, breaking it into small pieces. This step is key for even cooking. After the meat is browned, stir in 14.5 ounces of drained diced tomatoes, 15 ounces of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well, then let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend beautifully. Now it's time to put everything together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Mix until the spaghetti is well coated and creamy. In a large baking dish, start layering. First, place half of the spaghetti mixture on the bottom. Pour half of the meat sauce over it. Next, add half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Southern spaghetti bake! To get perfect spaghetti, cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions closely. Set a timer to avoid wandering off. Drain the spaghetti right after cooking to stop the cooking process. A splash of olive oil can help keep the noodles from sticking together. Cheese brings richness to your Southern spaghetti bake. I love using sharp cheddar for its bold taste. You can also mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture. If you're feeling adventurous, try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Remember, you can blend cheeses to create your own flavor profile. Experimenting is half the fun! Spice can change your dish. If you like it mild, use less cayenne pepper. Start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. For heat lovers, add more cayenne or even crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can boost flavor without heat. A little creativity makes your spaghetti bake truly yours! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb flavors from the sauce. Use Leftover Meat: This recipe is a great way to use leftover cooked meats. Just chop them up and add them to the sauce for a quick and delicious meal. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be great alternatives to cheddar. Spice Adjustment: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the meat. Use mushrooms or lentils instead of ground turkey or beef. Both options add great texture and flavor. For added protein, consider using chickpeas. You can also add diced zucchini or spinach for extra veggies. These choices keep the bake hearty and satisfying. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many kinds available, such as rice or lentil pasta. You can also use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or squash. For the sauce, check canned products to ensure they are gluten-free. Always read labels carefully. This way, you can enjoy the bake without worry. Southern cooking has many unique flavors. You might add cooked sausage or bacon for a smoky taste. Some like to mix in a can of green chiles for a spicy kick. Others use southern-style vegetables like okra or collard greens. These twists add a personal touch and reflect your taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite Southern ingredients. To keep your Southern Spaghetti Bake fresh, let it cool first. After cooling, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This helps keep the flavors strong and prevents drying out. Store the container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. If you have a large batch, you can portion it out for easy meals. For the best taste, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you're short on time, the microwave works too. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 1 to 2 minutes. Check if it is warm throughout before eating. You can freeze Southern Spaghetti Bake for later. Prepare it as you would, but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes, until heated through. This method keeps your meal tasty and ready to enjoy! Yes, you can make Southern Spaghetti Bake ahead. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake it as usual. This saves time and makes it easy for busy days. Southern Spaghetti Bake pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a classic touch - A fresh green salad for crunch - Roasted vegetables for healthy flavor - Steamed broccoli for a nutritious boost These sides enhance your meal and add variety. Yes, you can make this dish spicy! To do this, adjust the cayenne pepper in the recipe. Add more if you like heat. You can also add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce. This adds flavor and gives your dish a real kick! Southern Spaghetti Bake combines bold flavors and comforting ingredients. We covered everything from choosing the right meats and cheeses to cooking steps and helpful tips. You can make this dish in many ways, like gluten-free or vegetarian. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for future meals. This bake is easy to adapt, so feel free to explore. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I enjoy sharing it. Your kitchen adventures await!

Southern Spaghetti Bake

A delicious baked spaghetti dish with ground turkey or beef, creamy cheeses, and a flavorful tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 unit onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 half teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 half cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 half cup sour cream
  • 1 unit 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, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until the spaghetti is well coated and creamy.
  • In a large baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture on the bottom. Pour half of the meat sauce over it, then top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheddar.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
Keyword bake, comfort food, spaghetti