✔ In a large pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
✔ In the same pan, cook minced beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
✔ Add onions & garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2️⃣ Make the Rich Tomato Sauce
✔ Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
✔ Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar.
✔ Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
✔ Stir in cooked bacon and mix well.
✅ Tip: Simmer longer for deeper flavor!
3️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti
✔ Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions).
✔ Drain, toss with butter (prevents sticking), and set aside.
✅ Optional: Mix in one beaten egg to make the pasta richer & hold better when baked!
4️⃣ Assemble the Baked Spaghetti
✔ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
✔ In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the spaghetti.
✔ Layer with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.
✔ Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese.
✅ Tip: Sprinkle extra bacon on top for more crunch!
5️⃣ Bake & Serve
✔ Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
✔ Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
✔ Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
✅ Result: Cheesy, meaty, and packed with bold flavors!
🔥 Variations & Customization Ideas
🔹 Spicy Version – Add extra chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.
🔹 Creamier Sauce – Stir in ½ cup heavy cream to the tomato sauce.
🔹 Loaded Veggies – Mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
🔹 Pasta Swap – Try penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine instead of spaghetti!
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
✔ Freeze (before baking) for up to 2 months—thaw and bake when ready.
✔ Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
✅ Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners!
🏆 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Cheesy, Meaty Baked Spaghetti!
This Baked Spaghetti with Minced Beef and Bacon is the perfect comfort food—loaded with cheesy, smoky, and savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit!
