Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
- Water: Enough for boiling
- Salt: To taste
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Spaghetti: 300 g (10.5 oz) or about 3 cups (dry)
For the Meat Sauce:
- Bacon: 200 g (7 oz) or about 1½ cups, diced
- Red onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Minced beef: 700 g (1.5 lbs) or about 3½ cups
- Salt: To taste
- Ground black pepper: To taste
- Sweet paprika: To taste
- Dried oregano: To taste
- Tomato sauce: 200 g (7 oz) or about ¾ cup
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- Butter: 40 g (3 tablespoons)
- Flour: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
- Milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Salt: To taste
- Ground black pepper: To taste
For the Topping:
- Hard mozzarella cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz) or about 1 cup, grated
Preparation
Prepare the Spaghetti:
- Boil water in a large pot, adding salt and vegetable oil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Cook the diced bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the chopped red onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the minced beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano to taste.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and cooked bacon. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and black pepper.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). In a greased baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, followed by half the meat sauce, and then a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers and top with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for an indulgent touch.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added freshness.
Enjoy this ultimate baked spaghetti, a perfect blend of savory minced beef, crispy bacon, and creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese!
