This rich and comforting baked spaghetti casserole combines tender pasta, savory beef and bacon tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- Water, for boiling
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 300 g (10.5 oz) spaghetti
For the Meat Sauce
- 200 g (7 oz) bacon, diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 700 g (1.5 lbs) minced beef
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Dried oregano, to taste
- 200 g (7 oz / ¾ cup) tomato sauce
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 40 g (3 tbsp) butter
- 30 g (2 tbsp) flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping
- 100 g (3.5 oz / 1 cup) mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add vegetable oil and spaghetti.
Cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat:
- cook diced bacon until crispy
Remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, sauté:
- chopped onion
- minced garlic
Cook until soft and fragrant.
Brown the Beef
Add minced beef and cook until browned.
Season with:
- salt
- black pepper
- paprika
- oregano
Finish the Sauce
Stir in:
- tomato sauce
- cooked bacon
Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with:
- salt
- black pepper
4. Assemble the Dish
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large baking dish:
- layer spaghetti
- spoon over meat sauce
- pour béchamel sauce evenly on top
Gently mix slightly if desired.
5. Add Cheese
Sprinkle grated mozzarella evenly over the top.
6. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until:
- cheese is melted
- top is golden and bubbly
7. Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
- ✔ Rich and creamy texture
- ✔ Loaded with beef and bacon flavor
- ✔ Perfect comfort food
- ✔ Great for feeding a crowd
- ✔ Delicious leftovers
Tips
- Don’t overcook spaghetti before baking
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt
- Add chili flakes for extra heat
- Let casserole rest before slicing
Variations
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers
- Use cheddar or parmesan cheese
- Substitute ground turkey for beef
- Add ricotta for extra creaminess
Storage
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat covered for best texture
Conclusion
This baked spaghetti with beef, bacon, and creamy béchamel is the ultimate comfort casserole—rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.
