Ultimate Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon: A Hearty Comfort Food Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon. This dish combines the richness of a savory meat sauce, the creaminess of béchamel, and the cheesy goodness of melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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:

1. Boil water in a large pot, adding salt and vegetable oil.
2. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Cook the diced bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté the chopped red onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the minced beef and cook until browned.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano to taste.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and cooked bacon. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
2. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
2. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then a layer of béchamel sauce.
3. Repeat the layers, and top with grated mozzarella cheese.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Pair with garlic bread for an even heartier meal.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added flavor.

Cooking Tips

• For a lighter version, substitute the béchamel sauce with a dollop of ricotta cheese.
• Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist.

Enjoy this delicious, hearty baked spaghetti that’s perfect for any occasion!