This baked spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser, combining layers of savory minced beef sauce, crispy bacon, creamy béchamel, and melty mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The golden cheese topping and tender spaghetti make it a recipe you’ll be eager to make again and again.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
- Water (enough for boiling)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 300 g (10.5 oz) spaghetti (about 3 cups dry)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 200 g (7 oz) bacon, diced (about 1½ cups)
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 700 g (1.5 lbs) minced beef (about 3½ cups)
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (dried, ground; to taste)
- Dried oregano (to taste)
- 200 g (7 oz) tomato sauce (about ¾ cup)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 40 g (3 tablespoons) butter
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Topping:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) hard mozzarella cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
Directions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt along with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large frying pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the chopped red onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft.
- Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until it turns brown, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season the meat with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano to taste. Stir well.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and add the cooked bacon. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook it for about 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Keep stirring the mixture as it cooks and thickens. Once it’s reached a creamy consistency, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Baked Spaghetti:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Grease a baking dish and begin layering: Start with half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Repeat the layers, ensuring you have a nice even spread, and finish off with the grated mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
This baked spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food: rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy!
