If you’re craving a dish that combines cheesy, meaty, and crispy flavors in every bite, then baked spaghetti with minced beef and bacon is a must-try! This rich and comforting pasta bake is packed with a flavorful tomato sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese—all baked together to create a satisfying meal.
For those who enjoy hearty, oven-baked comfort foods, you might also love Egg-Stuffed Meatloaf: A Delectable Twist on a Classic Dish. This dish shares the same rich, meaty goodness but with an added surprise inside!
And what’s a pasta bake without the perfect side? Pair it with Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: The Perfect Side for Pasta Dishes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor – A blend of savory minced beef, smoky bacon, and rich tomato sauce makes this dish a winner.
- Cheesy Goodness – Melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese in every bite.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this dish!
Ingredients Needed
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) minced beef (ground beef)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti Base:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and toss with butter, eggs, and Parmesan cheese to coat. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced beef and cook until browned.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it out.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
- Cover with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked spaghetti with:
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks – The perfect crispy addition to your meal.
- Caesar Salad – A refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – A nutritious side that complements the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This baked spaghetti with minced beef and bacon is the perfect hearty meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers rich, cheesy, and savory flavors that everyone will love.
For more cheesy, baked comfort food, don’t miss Husband’s Favorite Casserole: A Cheesy Ground Beef Classic. It’s another fantastic option for fans of baked pasta dishes!
Try this recipe today and enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite! 🍽️
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Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon
Description
This hearty baked spaghetti combines rich, meaty flavors with crispy bacon and gooey cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) minced beef
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (250ml) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
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For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta or cottage cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti 2 minutes less than the package instructions (since it will bake later).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the minced beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix in the cooked bacon and remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta (or cottage cheese) with heavy cream, egg, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan.
- Set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Add half of the cooked spaghetti.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture on top.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, then repeat with the remaining spaghetti and cheese mixture.
- Pour the remaining sauce over everything.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For extra smokiness, use smoked bacon or pancetta. Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes. Try different cheeses, like provolone or gouda, for a unique twist. Add vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
This baked spaghetti is creamy, cheesy, meaty, and utterly delicious—the kind of dish everyone will want seconds of! Would you like to pair it with a side? 