Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, and pasta, all baked together in a cheesy, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb (225g) minced beef (ground beef)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Brown the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the minced beef to the bacon fat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Add the Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and cooked bacon into the sauce. Mix well to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: You can use a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply assemble the pasta and sauce, top with cheese, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Add Veggies: For extra veggies, you can stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the sauce.
This Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon is an indulgent, comforting dish that will satisfy everyone at the table. The combination of savory beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese makes for a delicious and filling meal. Enjoy!