Baked spaghetti with minced beef and bacon is an irresistible dish that brings together the savory flavors of beef, crispy bacon, and creamy béchamel sauce, all layered over a base of perfectly cooked spaghetti. The rich combination of the tomato and meat sauce, along with the creamy béchamel, creates an indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, a special gathering, or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering meal!
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 (dried, ground): 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 Steps
Prepare the Spaghetti:
- Boil the Water: Begin by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water. This helps the spaghetti cook evenly and prevents it from sticking together.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Add the dry spaghetti to the boiling water. Follow the package instructions for cooking times, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large frying pan or skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside to drain on a paper towel.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Brown the Minced Beef: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Season the Meat Sauce: Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and dried oregano. Stir the spices into the meat, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
- Add the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ensuring that it combines well with the beef and spices. Add the cooked bacon back into the pan, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s fully melted and begins to bubble slightly.
- Add the Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. It should form a smooth paste, which is the roux base for the béchamel sauce. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent the flour from burning.
- Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk vigorously. The mixture will thicken as the milk is incorporated. Keep stirring until the sauce reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Once the béchamel has thickened, season with salt and black pepper to taste. The sauce should have a velvety texture and a subtle flavor that complements the other components of the dish.
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) so that it’s ready when you’re ready to bake.
- Layer the Spaghetti: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom.
- Add the Meat Sauce: Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Add the Béchamel Sauce: Spoon half of the béchamel sauce over the meat sauce and spread it out gently with a spatula.
- Repeat the Layers: Repeat the process by layering the remaining spaghetti, followed by the remaining meat sauce and béchamel sauce.
- Top with Mozzarella: Finish the dish by sprinkling the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. The cheese will melt and form a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Bake:
- Bake the Spaghetti: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully to balance the richness of the baked spaghetti.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: For an even heartier meal, serve the baked spaghetti with a side of garlic bread, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For added flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the baked spaghetti before serving.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When boiling the spaghetti, be careful not to overcook it. Al dente pasta holds up better when baking, ensuring that it doesn’t turn mushy as it soaks up the sauces.
- Bacon for Extra Flavor: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the meat sauce. If you prefer, you can use pancetta or prosciutto for a different twist, but bacon will always give that savory depth.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is especially convenient for busy days when you want a comforting meal without the last-minute rush. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking, or add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like basil or thyme, sprinkle some over the top before serving for an added burst of freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon:
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of beef, bacon, and béchamel sauce makes every bite packed with flavor.
- Comforting: This baked spaghetti dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, offering a hearty meal that everyone will love.
- Customizable: The recipe is flexible, so you can adjust the seasoning, toppings, and even the meat to your taste preferences.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is easy to prepare and results in a deliciously satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Baked spaghetti with minced beef and bacon is a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. The creamy béchamel sauce, combined with the savory meat sauce and the richness of the bacon, creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and irresistible. Whether you’re preparing this meal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite of this decadent and flavorful pasta bake!
