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Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake

A comforting pasta bake featuring tender spaghetti in a rich cream sauce with ground beef, Rotel, and melted sharp cheddar cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add both cans of cream soup, the entire can of Rotel with juices, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss with tongs until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce.
  7. Transfer spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese across the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden at the edges.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein. Swap spaghetti for penne or rigatoni. Use hot Rotel for more spice. Make-Ahead: Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to bake time if cooking from cold.