Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon – A Hearty and Flavorful Meal 🍝🔥
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and meaty baked spaghetti dish to bring comfort and flavor to the dinner table. This Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon is the ultimate combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy textures, making it a go-to dish for family dinners, potlucks, and even meal prep.
Unlike traditional spaghetti, which is served with sauce on top, this oven-baked version ensures that every bite is infused with rich flavors from the minced beef, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce. Plus, this dish is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
If you’re looking for a comfort food favorite that’s loaded with protein and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, this baked spaghetti recipe is for you! 🍽️
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Packed with Flavor – A rich combination of minced beef, crispy bacon, and marinara sauce.
✔️ Cheesy & Creamy – Features melted mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese for a gooey texture.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later.
✔️ Family-Approved – A hearty dish that even picky eaters will love.
✔️ Customizable – Add vegetables, swap meats, or make it spicy!
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Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon
For the Meat Sauce 🍖
1 lb (450g) minced beef
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta 🍝
12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture 🧀
1 cup ricotta cheese or cream cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Topping 🔥
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Beef
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
2. In the same skillet, add minced beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
1. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
2. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in the crispy bacon and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese (or cream cheese), sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, and parsley.
2. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Step 5: Assemble the Baked Spaghetti
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti and mix it gently with the sauce.
4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
5. Top with the remaining meat sauce.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
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Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
3. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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Serving Suggestions
✨ Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
✨ Pair with a glass of red wine for a fine-dining experience.
✨ Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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Tips & Tricks for the Best Baked Spaghetti
✔️ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as well.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since it continues cooking in the oven, keep it al dente.
✔️ Add More Veggies – Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
✔️ Make It Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
✔️ Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fats: 22g
Fiber: 5g
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! You can swap minced beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and double-check that your sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
4. Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Yes! Cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
5. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute with cream cheese, cottage cheese, or mascarpone for a creamy texture.
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Final Thoughts – A Family Favorite Dish
Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or meal prep, this recipe will never disappoint. The rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and crispy bacon create a perfectly balanced and irresistible dish.
